£(bra7  of t:he  'theological  ^tmxmxy 

PRINCETON    .   NEW  JERSEY 
PRESENTED  BY 

Rev.    Jno.    Wright,    D.D. 


BV 

245 

.W737 

1898 

Wr 

ight. 

John 

,    1836- 

-1919 

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ayers 

for  priest 

and 

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parish  and 

the 

Ip^ra^cre 


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pViCBt  anb  JbCOplC 


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Iparisb  anb  tbe  Ibome 


/I  Book  of  Services  and  Devotions 
for  Clerical  and  Lay  Workers 


EDITED   BY 


REV.  JOHN  WRIGHT,  D.  D. 

Author  of  "Early  Bibles  of  America"  and  "Early 
Prayer  Books  of  America  " 


^v.>.UY  OF  P.^/;^ 


St.  Ipaul.  /Ilbinn. 

The  Wright  Publishing  Company 
1898 


Copyright,   1S98, 
By  John  Wright. 


PRESS   OF   KVASS   *   COMPAXY. 
ST.  PAl'L.  MINX. 


PREFACE. 


The  material  of  this  book  has  been  accumulating 
for  several  years,  chiefly  through  the  contributions 
of  representative  Church  clergymen.  Widely  known 
men,  who  have  given  their  best  energies  to  special 
lines  of  thought  and  work,  were  invited  to  formulate 
certain  prayers.  A  response  in  nearly  every  case 
was  promptly  given.  One,  who  has  long  been  in- 
terested in  explorations  in  Egypt,  contributed  the 
"Prayers  for  the  Harmony  of  Revelation  and 
Science."  Another,  who  has  frequently  written  and 
spoken  on  the  subject  of  Christian  Socialism,  penned 
the  "Prayers  for  the  Employer  and  the  Employed." 
A  third,  associated  with  work  among  youth,  wrote 
several  prayers  for  Sunday  Schools,  and  a  fourth, 
through  long  years  a  worker  among  young  men,  is 
responsible  for  several  of  the  devotions  that  relate  to 
this  class.  Under  the  headings,  "Prayers  for  a 
Vestry  Meeting,"  "Prayers  for  Graces  and  Virtues," 
"  Family  Prayers,"  and  in  various  other  places  in  the 
book,  may  be  found  forms  of  devotion  that  appear 
for  the  first  time.  The  new  prayers  are  over  one 
hundred  in  number.  The  writers,  with  a  few  ex- 
ceptions, made  it  a  condition  that  their  names  should 
not  be  mentioned,  and  this  condition  will  be  sacredly 
observed. 

Bishops  Huntington,  Gillespie  and  Quintard,  and 
the  late  Bishops  Brown,  Paddock  and  Coxe,  per- 
mitted the  introduction  of  prayers  they  had  prepared 
for  use  in  their  own  dioceses.  Bishop  Coxe  es- 
pecially desired  a  place  in  the  book  for  the  hymn 
entitled,  "Gloria  Christi."  This  has  been  published 
before,  but  the  Bishop  enlarged  and  revised  it  as  it 


now  appears.  In  his  last  letter  concerning  it  he 
wrote,  ' '  Every  line  of  it  is  a  blow  aimed  at  Socinian- 
ism."  The  hymn  has  been  placed  among  the  offices 
for  the  sick,  for  the  reason  that  "Gloria  Christi," 
with  its  many  titles  of  our  Lord,  should  be  especially 
comforting  to  the  sick  and  the  afflicted. 

An  effort  has  been  made  to  accentuate  the  teach- 
ings of  the  Christian  year,  by  printing  under  the 
collect  for  each  Sunday  other  prayers,  selected 
adapted  or  contributed. 

In  making  selections  of  prayers,  the  Latin,  Greek    ' 
German  and  other  rituals,  both  ancient  and  modern, 
have   been    consulted.       A   generous    use    has    been 
made  of  the  Mozarabic  rite,  from  recent  translations. 

The  book,  while  constructed  upon  Catholic  lines, 
has  not  been  prepared  for  any  one  school  of  thought 
in  the  Church,  but  is  intended  to  represent  a  breadth 
of  views.  To  this  end,  under  each  heading  may  be 
found  a  variety  of  prayers,  so  that  a  selection  can  be 
made  according  to  the  preference  of  the  person  using 
the  manual. 

Aside  from   the   offices  for  the  clergy,   are  many 

forms  and   devotions  that  should  render  the   book 

useful  to    the  laity.       Subjects  that    pertain    to  the 

religion     of     every-day    life    have    been     expressly 

amplified. 

J.   W. 

St.  Paul,  Minn.,  Epiphany,  i8g8. 


CONTENTS. 

¥ 

PAGE 

The  Rites  of  the  Church i 

Occasional  Offices 94 

Missionary  Prayers 104 

Prayers  for  the  Church  and  the  Clergy.  . .  .    113 
Prayers  for  the  Parish  and  Parish  Organi- 
zations      118 

Prayers  for  the  Home 135 

Prayers  for  the  State  and  Nation 153 

Prayers   for  Colleges,  Schools   and  Chari- 
table Institutions 156 

Prayers  Relating  to  Social  Subjects 160 

Prayers  for  the  Harmony  of  Revelation  and 

Science 161 

Prayers  for  Graces  and  Virtues 162 

Special  Thanksgivings 165 

Prayers  for  the  Beginning  and  the  Ending 

OF  the  Year 168 

Collects  of  the  Christian  Year 170 

Other  Collects  from  the  Book  of  Common 

Prayer 206 

Lenten  Prayers 208 

Various  Prayers 210 


ITbe  apoetles'  Creet). 

T  BELIEVE  in  God  the  Father  Almighty,  Maker 
A      of  heaven  and  earth  ; 

And  in  Jesus  Christ  his  only  Son  our  Lord : 
Who  was  conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  Born  of 
the  Virgin  Mary  :  Suffered  under  Pontius  Pilate,  Was 
crucified,  dead,  and  buried  :  He  descended  into  hell ; 
The  third  day  he  rose  again  from  the  dead :  He 
ascended  into  heaven.  And  sitteth  on  the  right  hand 
of  God  the  Father  Almighty  ;  From  thence  he  shall 
come  to  judge  the  quick  and  the  dead. 

I  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost :  The  holy  Catholic 
Church;  The  Communion  of  Saints:  The  Forgive- 
ness of  sins :  The  Resurrection  of  the  body  :  And 
the  Life  everlasting.     Amen. 


^be  IRicenc  Crccb. 

I  BELIEVE  in  one  God  the  Father  Almighty, 
Maker  of  heaven  and  earth,  And  of  all  things 
visible  and  invisible  : 
And  in  one  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  only-begotten 
Son  of  God ;  Begotten  of  his  Father  before  all 
worlds,  God  of  God,  Light  of  Light,  Very  God  of 
very  God;  Begotten,  not  made;  Being  of  one  sub- 
stance with  the  Father  ;  By  whom  all  things  were 
made :  Who  for  us  men  and  for  our  salvation  came 
down  from  heaven,  And  was  incarnate  by  the  Holy 
Ghost  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  And  was  made  man  ;  And 
was  crucified  also  for  us  under  Pontius  Pilate;  He 
suffered  and  was  buried  :  And  the  third  day  he  rose 
again  according  to  the  Scriptures :  And  ascended 
into  heaven,  And  sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of  the 
Father:  And  he  shall  come  again,  with  glory,  to 
judge  both  the  quick  and  the  dead  ;  Whose  kingdom 
shall  have  no  end. 

And  I  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  The  Lord  and 
Giver  of  Life,  Who  proceedeth  from  the  Father  and 
the  Son  ;  Who  with  the  Father  and  the  Son  together 
is  worshipped  and  glorified ;  Who  spake  by  the 
Prophets:  And  I  believe  one  Catholic  and  Apostolic 
Church :  I  acknowledge  one  Baptism  for  the  re- 
mission of  sins :  And  I  look  for  the  Resurrection 
of  the  dead :  And  the  Life  of  the  world  to  come. 
Amen, 


Cbe  Ritc$  of  the  Cburcb. 

The  Ministration  of  Public  Baptism  of 

Infants,  to  be  Used  in  the 

Church. 


^y  Tlie  People  are  to  be  aJiiionished,  thai  it  is  most  con- 
venient that  Baptis7n  sliould  not  lye  administered  but 
upon  Sundays  and  other  Holy-days,  or  Prayer-days. 
Nevertheless,  (if  necessity  so  require,)  Baptism  may 
be  administered  upon  any  other  day. 

Tl  There  shall  be  for    every  Male-child  to  he  baptized, 
■   "when  they  can  be  had,  two   Godfathers  and  one  God- 
mother; and  for  every  Female,  one  Godfather  and  law 
Godmothers;  and  Parents  shall  be  admitted  as  Spon- 
sors, if  it  be  desired. 

^  When  there  are  children  to  be  baptized,  the  Parents  or 
Sponsors  shall  give  hiowledge  thereof,  before  the  begin- 
ning of  Morning  Prayer,  to  the  Minister.  And  then 
the  Godfathers  and  Godmothers,  and  the  People  with 
the  Children,  must  be  ready  at  the  Font,  either  imme- 
diately after  the  last  Lesson  at  Morning  Prayer,  or  else 
immediately  after  the  last  Lesson  at  Evening  Prayer, 
as  the  Minister  by  his  discretion  shall  appoint.  And 
the  Afinister  coming  to  the  Font,  (which  is  then  to  be 
filled  tenth  pure  IVater,)  a)id  standing  there,  shall  say. 

Hath  this  Child  ah-eady  been  baptized, 
or  no  ? 

Tl"  If  they  answer.  No  :  ///;'//  shall  the  Minister  proceed 
as  followeth,  the  people  all  standing  until  the  Lord's 
Prayer. 

Dearly  beloved,  forasmuch  as  all  men 
are  conceived  and  born  in  sin ;  and  our 
Saviour  Christ  saith,  None  can  enter  into 
the  kingdom  of  God,  except  he  be  regen- 
erate and  born  anew  of  Water  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost ;  I  beseech  you  to  call  upon 
God  the  Father,  through  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  that  of  his  bounteous  mercy  he  will 
grant  to  tJiis  Child  that  which  by  nature  he 
cannot  have  ;  that  Jie  may  be  baptized  with 
Water  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  received 
into  Christ's  holy  Church,  and  be  made  a 
living  member  of  the  same. 


2  THE   RITES   OF   THE    CHURCH. 

^  Tlwn  sliall  tlw  Miiiistt'r  say, 

Let  us  pray. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  of 
thy  great  mercy  didst  save  Noah  and  his 
family  in  the  ark  from  perishing  by  water ; 
and  also  didst  safely  lead  the  children  of 
Israel  thy  people  through  the  Red  Sea, 
figuring  thereby  thy  holy  Baptism  ;  and  by 
the  baptism  of  thy  well-beloved  Son  Jesus 
Christ  in  the  river  Jordan,  didst  sanctify 
Water  to  the  mystical  washing  away  of 
sin;  We  beseech  thee,  for  thine  infinite 
mercies,  that  thou  wilt  mercifully  look 
upon  this  Child ;  wash  him  and  sanctify 
him  with  the  Holy  Ghost ;  that  he,  being 
delivered  from  thy  wrath,  may  be  received 
into  the  ark  of  Christ's  Church  ;  and  being 
stedfast  in  faith,  joyful  through  hope,  and 
rooted  in  charity,  may  so  pass  the  waves 
of  this  troublesome  world,  that  finally  he 
may  come  to  the  land  of  everlasting  life, 
there  to  reign  with  thee,  world  without 
end;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Ame?i. 

Tf  Or  this. 

Almighty  and  immortal  God,  the  aid  of 
all  who  need,  the  helper  of  all  who  flee  to 
thee  for  succour,  the  life  of  those  who  be- 
lieve, and  the  resurrection  of  the  dead  ;  We 
call  upon  thee  for  this  Infant,  that  Jie,  com- 
ing to  thy  holy  Baptism,  may  receive 
remission  of  sin,  by  spiritual  regeneration. 
Receive  hivi,  O  Lord,  as  thou  hast  pro- 
mised by  thy  well-beloved  Son,  saying. 
Ask,  and  ye  shall  have;  seek,  and  ye  shall 
find;  knock,  and  it  shall  be  opened  unto 
you.  So  give  now  unto  us  who  ask;  let 
us  who  seek,  find  ;  open  the  gate  unto  us 
who  knock  ;  that  this  Infant  may  enjoy  the 
everlasting  benediction  of  thy  heavenly 
washing,  and  ma\'  come  to  the  eternal 
kingdom  which  thou  hast  promised  by 
Christ  our  Lord.      A/Jien. 

IJ  T/ien  the  Minister  shall  say  as  folhrnn'th  :  or  else  shall 
pass  immediately  to  the   Questions  addressed  to    the 


THE   RITES   OF   THE    CHURCH.  6 

Sponsors.  But  Note,  That  in  every  church  the  inter- 
mediate' parts  of  the  Service  shall  be  used,  once  at 
least  in  every  month,  (if  there  be  a  baptism,)  for  the 
better  instructing  of  the  People  in  the  grounds  of 
Infant  Baptism. 

Hear  the  words  of  the  Gospel,  written  by 
St.  Mark,  in  the  tenth  Chapter,  at  the 
thirteenth  Verse. 

They  brought  young  children  to  Christ, 
that  he  should  touch  them  :  and  his  dis- 
ciples rebuked  those  that  brought  them. 
But  when  Jesus  saw  it,  he  was  much  dis- 
pleased, and  said  unto  them.  Suffer  the 
little  children  to  come  unto  me,  and  forbid 
them  not :  for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of 
God.  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  Whosoever 
shall  not  receive  the  kingdom  of  God  as  a 
little  child,  he  shall  not  enter  therein. 
And  he  took  them  up  in  his  arms,  put  his 
hands  upon  them,  and  blessed  them. 

^[  After  the  Gospel  is  read,  the  Minister  shall  make 
this  brief  Exhortation  upon  the  words  of  the 
Gospel. 

Beloved,  ye  hear  in  this  Gospel  the 
words  of  our  Saviour  Christ,  that  he  com- 
manded the  children  to  be  brought  unto 
him ;  how  he  blamed  those  who  would 
have  kept  them  from  him ;  how  he  ex- 
horteth  all  men  to  follow  their  innocency. 
Ye  perceive  how,  by  his  outward  gesture 
and  deed,  he  declared  his  good  will  to- 
ward them ;  for  he  embraced  them  in  his 
arms,  he  laid  his  hands  upon  them,  and 
blessed  them.  Doubt  ye  not,  therefore, 
but  earnestly  believe,  that  he  will  likewise 
favourably  receive  this  present  Infant ;  that 
he  will  embrace  hijn  with  the  arms  of  his 
mercy ;  that  he  will  give  unto  him  the 
blessing  of  eternal  life,  and  make  him  par- 
taker of  his  everlasting  kingdom. 

Wherefore,  we  being  thus  persuaded  of 
the  good  will  of  our  heavenly  Father  to- 
wards this  Infant,  declared  by  his  Son 
Jesus  Christ;  and  nothing  doubting  but 
that  he  favourably  alloweth  this  charitable 
work  of  ours  in  bringing  tJiis  Lifant  to  his 


4  THE  RITES  OF  THE   CHURCH. 

holy   Baptism ;     let  us    faithfully  and    de- 
voutly give  thanks  unto  him,  and  say, 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  heavenly 
Father,  We  give  thee  humble  thanks.  That 
thou  hast  vouchsafed  to  call  us  to  the 
knowledge  of  thy  grace,  and  faith  in  thee: 
Increase  this  knowledge,  And  confirm  this 
faith  in  us  evermore.  Give  thy  Holy 
Spirit  to  this  Infaiit,  That  Jic  may  be  born 
again,  And  be  made  an  Jieir  of  everlasting 
salvation;  Through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
Who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  thee  and 
the  Holy  Spirit,  Now  and  forever.    Amen. 

^  Then  shall  the  Minister  speak  unto  the   Godfathers 
and  Godmothers  on  this  wise. 

Dearly  beloved,  ye  have  brought  tJiis 
Child  here  to  be  baptized  ;  ye  have  prayed 
that  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  would  vouch- 
safe to  receive  ///;«,  to  release  him  from 
sin,  to  sanctify  him  with  the  Holy  Ghost, 
to  give  hiui  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  and 
everlasting  life.  Ye  have  heard  also  that 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  hath  promised  in 
his  Gospel  to  grant  all  these  things  that 
ye  have  prayed  for:  which  promise  he, 
for  his  part,  will  most  surely  keep  and 
perform. 

Wherefore,  after  this  promise  made  by 
Christ,  this  Infant  must  also  faithfully,  for 
his  part,  promise  by  you  that  are  Jiis  sure- 
ties, (until  Jie  come  of  age  to  take  it  upon 
himself, )  that  he  will  renounce  the  devil 
and  all  his  works,  and  constanth'  believe 
God's  holy  Word,  and  obedienth'  keep 
his  commandments. 

^  The  Minister  shall  then  demand  of  the  Sponsors  as 
followeth :  the  Questions  being  considered  as  addressed 
to  them  se7'erally,  and  the  .-InsTC'ers  to  be  made  accord- 
ingly. 

I   demand   therefore. 

Dost  thou,  in  the  name  of  this  Child, 
renounce  the  devil  and  all  his  works,  the 
vain  pomp  and  glor\'  of  the  world,  with  all 
covetous  desires  of  the  same,  and  the  sin- 


THE   RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH.  5 

fill  desires  of  the  flesh,  so  that  thou  wilt 
not  follow,  nor  be  led  by  them  ? 

Answer.  I  renounce  them  all;  and,  by 
God's  help,  will  endeavour  not  to  follow, 
nor  be  led  by  them. 

Minister.  Dost  thou  believe  all  the 
Articles  of  the  Christian  Faith,  as  con- 
tained in  the  Apostles'  Creed  ? 

Answer.      I   do. 

Minister.  Wilt  thou  be  baptized  in 
this   Faith  ? 

Anszver.      That  is  my  desire. 

Minister.  Wilt  thou  then  obediently 
keep  God's  holy  will  and  commandments, 
and  walk  in  the  same  all  the  days  of  thy 
life  ? 

Anszver.      I  will,  by  God's  help. 

^f  Thc-n  shall  tlie  Minister  say, 

O  merciful  God,  grant  that  the  old 
Adam  in  this  Child  may  be  so  buried, 
that  the  new  man  may  be  raised  up  in 
Iiim.      Amen. 

Grant  that  all  sinful  affections  may  die 
in  ]iiin,  and  that  all  things  belonging  to  the 
Spirit  may  live  and  grow  in  hiui.      Amen. 

Grant  that  he  may  have  power  and 
strength  to  have  victory,  and  to  triumph, 
against  the  devil,  the  world,  and  the  flesh. 
Amen. 

Grant  that  whosoever  is  here  dedicated 
to  thee  by  our  office  and  ministry,  may  also 
be  endued  with  heavenly  virtues,  and  ever- 
lastingly rewarded,  through  thy  mercy,  O 
blessed  Lord  God,  who  dost  live,  and 
govern  all  things,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

Almighty,  everliving  God,  whose  most 
dearly  beloved  Son  Jesus  Christ,  for  the 
forgiveness  of  our  sins,  did  shed  out  of 
his  most  precious  side  both  water  and 
blood ;  and  gave  commandment  to  his 
disciples,  that  they  should  go  teach  all 
nations,  and  baptize  them  In  the  Name  of 
the  Father,   and  of    the   Son,    and  of   the 


6  THE   RITES  OF   THE    CHURCH. 

Holy  Ghost;  Regard,  wc  beseech  thee, 
the  suppHcations  of  thy  congregation  ; 
sanctify  this  Water  to  the  mystical  wash- 
ing away  of  sin  ;  and  grant  that  tJiis  Child, 
now  to  be  baptized  therein,  may  receive 
the  fulness  of  thy  grace,  and  exer  remain 
in  the  number  of  thy  faithful  children  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

^  T/wn  the  Minister  shall  take  the  Child  into  his  hands, 
and  shall  say  to  the  Godfathers  and  Godmothers, 

Name  this  Child. 

*[[  And  then,  naniins^  it  after  them,  he  shall  dip  it.  in 
the  Water  discreetly,  or  shall  pour  Water  upon  it, 
saying, 

N.  I  baptize  thee  In  the  Name  of  the 
Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.     Amen. 

^  Then  the  Minister  shall  say. 

We  receive   this   Child   into  the  congre- 
gation of  Christ's  flock,  and 
do  *sign  him  with  the  sign      *ilere  the  Min- 
of  the  Cross,  in  token  that     "^^''  ''"''[  '""f 

'  a  Cross  upon  the 

hereafter  he  shall  not  be  Child's  forehead. 
ashamed  to  confess  the  faith 
of  Christ  crucified,  and  manfulh'  to  fight 
under  his  banner,  against  sin,  the  world, 
and  the  devil;  and  to  continue  Christ's 
faithful  soldier  and  servant  unto  his  life's 
end.      Amen. 

^  If  those  lidio  present  the  Infant  shall  desire  the  sign 
of  the  Cross  to  be  omitted,  although  the  Church  kmnv- 
eth  no  ivorthy  cause  of  scruple  concerning  the  same, 
yet  in  that  case,  the  A/inister  mav  omit  that  part  of 
the  above  n'hich  folhnceth  the  Immersion,  or  the  pour- 
ing of  Water  on  the  Infant . 

\   Then  shall  the  Minister  say. 

Seeing  now,  dear!}'  belo\ed  brethren, 
that  this  Child  is  regenerate,  and  grafted 
into  the  body  of  Christ's  Church,  let  us 
give  thanks  unto  Almighty  God  for  these 
benefits;  and  with  one  accord  make  our 
prayers  unto  him,  that  this  Child  may 
lead  the  rest  of  his  h'fe  according  to  this 
beginning. 


THE   RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH.  7 

^\  Tlien  shall  be  said,  all  ki!Ci'liiis[, 

Our  Father, who  art  in  heaven,  Hallowed 
be  thy  Name.  Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy 
will  be  done  on  earth.  As  it  is  in  heaven. 
Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread.  And 
forgive  us  our  trespasses,  as  we  forgive 
those  who  trespass  against  us.  And  lead 
us  not  into  temptation ;  But  deliver  us 
from  evil.      Amen; 

^  T/ieii  shall  the  Minister  say, 

We  yield  thee  hearty  thanks,  most  mer- 
ciful Father,  that  it  hath  pleased  thee  to 
regenerate  t/iis  Infant  with  thy  Holy 
Spirit,  to  receive  Jiini  for  thine  own  Child 
by  adoption,  and  to  incorporate  him  into 
th}'  holy  Church.  And  humbly  we  be- 
seech thee  to  grant,  that  Jic ,  being  dead 
unto  sin,  and  living  unto  righteousness, 
and  being  buried  with  Christ  in  his  death, 
may  crucify  the  old  man,  and  utterly  abol- 
ish the  whole  body  of  sin;  and  that,  as  he 
is  made  partaker  of  the  death  of  thy  Son, 
he  may  also  be  partaker  of  his  resurrec- 
tion ;  so  that  finally,  with  the  residue  of 
thy  holy  Church,  he  may  be  an  inheritor 
of  thine  everlasting  kingdom ;  through 
Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

^  Then,  all  standing  up,  the  Minister  shall  say  to  the 
Godfathers  and  Godmothers  this  Exhortation  fol- 
lowing;. 

Forasmuch  as  tJiis  CJiild  hath  promised 
by  you  his  sureties  to  renounce  the  devil 
and  all  his  works,  to  believe  in  God,  and 
to  serve  him;  ye  must  remember,  that  it 
is  your  parts  and  duties  to  see  that  this 
Infant  be  taught,  so  soon  as  he  shall  be 
able  to  learn,  what  a  solemn  vow,  promise, 
and  profession,  he  hath  here  made  by  you. 
And  that  he  may  know  these  things  the 
better,  ye  shall  call  upon  him  to  hear  Ser- 
mons;  and  chiefly  ye  shall  provide,  that 
he  may  learn  the  Creed,  the  Lord's  Prayer, 
and  the  Ten  Commandments,  and  all  other 
things  which   a  Christian  ought  to   know 


O  THE   RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH. 

and  believe  to  his  soul's  health;  and  that 
tJiis-Cliild  ma)^  be  virtuously  brought  up 
lead  a  godly  and  a  Christian  life ;  remem- 
bering always,  that  Baptism  doth  represent 
unto  us  our  profession;  which  is,  to  follow 
the  example  of  our  Saviour  Christ,  and  to 
be  made  like  unto  him;  that,  as  he  died, 
and  rose  again  for  us,  so  should  we,  who 
are  baptized,  die  from  sin,  and  rise  again 
unto  righteousness  ;  continually  mortif\-ing 
all  our  evil  and  corrupt  affections,  and 
daily  proceeding  in  all  virtue  and  godli- 
ness of  living. 

TJ  Then  shall  he  add,  and  say, 

Ye  are  to  take  care  that  tJiis  Child  be 
brought  to  the  Bishop  to  be  confirmed  by 
him,  so  soon  as  he  can  say  the  Creed,  the 
Lord's  Prayer,  and  the  Ten  Command- 
ments, and  is  sufficiently  instructed  in  the 
other  parts  of  the  Church-Catechism  set 
forth  for  that  purpose. 


The  Ministration  of  Private  Baptism 
OF  Children  in  Houses. 

^  The  Minister  of  every  Parish  shall  often  admonish 
the  People,  that  they  defer  not  the  Baptism  of  their 
Children  longer  than  the  first  or  second  Sunday  after 
their  birth,  or  other  Holy -day  falling  between,  unless 
upon  a  great  and  reasonable  cause. 

^  And  also  he  shall  7oarn  them,  that  without  like  great 
cause  and  necessity,  they  procure  not  their  Children 
to  be  baptized  at  home  in  their  houses.  But  when 
need  shall  compel  them  so  to  do,  then  Baptism  shall 
be  administered  as  followeth. 

^  First,  let  the  Minister  of  the  Parish  (or  in  his 
absence,  any  other  lawful  Minister  that  can  be  pro- 
cured) 701  th  those  who  are  present,  call  upon  God, 
and  say  the  Lord's  Prayer,  and  so  many  of  the 
Collects  appointed  to  be  said  before  in  the  Form  of 
Public  Baptism,  as  the  time  and  present  e.rii^ence 
will  suffer.  And  then,  the  Child  being  named  by 
some  one  who  is  present,  the  Minister  shall  pour 
Water  upon  it,  saying  these  words  : 


THE  RITES  OF  THE   CHURCH.  9 

yV.  I  baptize  thee  In  the  Name  of  the 
Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.      Amen. 

^  Tlien    the    Minister    shall    gii'e    thanks    uitio     God, 
and  sar. 

We  yield  thee  hearty  thanks,  most 
merciful  Father,  that  it  hath  pleased  thee 
to  regenerate  t/iis  Infant  with  thy  Holy 
Spirit,  to  receive  Jiim  for  thine  own  Cliild 
by  adoption,  and  to  incorporate  him  into 
thy  holy  Church.  And  humbly  we  be- 
seech thee  to  grant,  that  lie,  being  dead 
unto  sin,  and  living  unto  righteousness, 
and  being  buried  with  Christ  -in  his 
death,  may  crucify  the  old  man,  and 
utterly  abolish  the  whole  body  of  sin ; 
and  that,  as  Jic  is  made  partaker  of  the 
death  of  thy  Son,  Jie  may  also  h&  partaker 
of  his  resurrection;  so  that  finally,  with 
the  residue  of  thy  holy  Church,  he  may 
be  an  inheritor  of  thine  everlasting  king- 
dom ;    through   Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

Tl  And  let  them  not  doubt,  hut  that  the  Child  so  baptized 
is  Imv fully  and  sufficiently  baptized,  and  ouoht  not  to 
be  baptized  again.  Yet  nevertheless,  if  the  Child, 
ivhich  is  after  this  sort  baptized,  do  afterward  live, 
it  is  expedient  that  it  be  brought  into  the  Church, 
to  the  intent  that  if  the  Alinister  of  the  same  Parish 
did  himself  baptize  that  Child,  the  Congregation 
may  be  certified  of  the  true  Form  of  Baptism,  by 
him  privately  before  used :  In  which  case,  all 
standing,  he  shall  say  thus  : 

T  certify  you,  that  according  to  the  due 
and  prescribed  Order  of  the  Church  at 
such  a  time,  and  at  such  a  place,  be- 
fore divers  witnesses,  I  baptized  this 
Child ;  who  is  now  by  Baptism  incor- 
porated into  the  Christian  Church :  for 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  doth  not  deny  his 
grace  and  mercy  unto  such  Infants,  but 
most  lovingly  doth  call  them  unto  him, 
as  the  holy  Gospel  doth  witness  to  our 
comfort. 

^  But  if  the  Child  -were  baptized  by  any  other  la7cful 
Minister,  then  the  Alinister  of  the  Parish  -where  the 
Child  7vas  born  or  christened,  shall  examine  zvhether 
the   same    hath    been     lawfully    done.       And   if    the 


10  THE   RITES   OF   THE    CHURCH. 

Ministei'  shall  find,  by  the  ansivers  of  such  as  bring 
the  Child,  that  all  things  7vere  done  as  they  ought 
to  be ;  then  shall  he  not  christen  the  Child  again, 
hut  shall  recei7)e  him  as  one  of  the  /lock  of  true 
Christian  People,  saying  thus  : 

I  certify  you,  that  in  this  case  all  is 
well  done,  and  according  unto  due  order, 
concerning  the  baptizing  of  t/iis  Child ; 
who  is  now  by  Baptism  incorporated  into 
the  Christian  Church  :  for  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  doth  not  deny  his  grace  and  mercy 
unto  such  Infants,  but  most  lovingly  doth 
call  them  unto  him,  as  the  holy  Gospel 
doth  witness  to  our  comfort. 

^   Then  the  Minister  shall  say  as  followeth. 

Hear  the  words  of  the  Gospel,  written  by 
St.  Mark,  in  the  tenth  Chapter,  at  the 
thirteenth  Verse. 

They  brought  young  children  to  Christ, 
that  he  should  touch  them ;  and  his 
disciples  rebuked  those  that  brought 
them.  But  when  Jesus  saw  it,  he  was 
much  displeased,  and  said  unto  them, 
Suffer  the  little  children  to  come  unto  me, 
and  forbid  them  not :  for  of  such  is  the 
kingdom  of  God.  Verily  I  say  unto  }'ou, 
Whosoever  shall  not  receive  the  kingdom 
of  God  as  a  little  child,  he  shall  not  enter 
therein.  And  he  took  them  up  in  his 
arms,  put  his  hands  upon  them,  and 
blessed  them. 

^  After  the    Gospel  is  read,    the  Minister  shall  make 
this  brief  Exhortation  upon  the  words  of  the  Gospel. 

Beloved,  ye  hear  in  this  Gospel  the 
words  of  our  Saviour  Christ,  that  he 
commanded  the  children  to  be  brought 
unto  him ;  how  he  blamed  those  who 
would  have  kept  them  from  him ;  how 
he  exhorteth  all  men  to  follow  their 
innocency.  Ye  perceive  how,  by  his 
outward  gesture  and  deed,  he  declared 
his  good  will  toward  them ;  for  he  em- 
braced them  in  his  arms,  he  laid  his 
hands    upon     them,    and     blessed     them. 


THE   RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH.  11 

Doubt  ye  not  therefore,  but  earnestly 
believe,  that  he  hath  likewise  favourably 
received  tJiis  present  Infant ;  that  he  hath 
embraced  him  with  the  arms  of  his  mercy ; 
and,  as  he  hath  promised  in  his  holy 
Word,  will  give  unto  him  the  blessing  of 
eternal  life,  and  make  him  partaker  of  his 
everlasting  kingdom. 

Wherefore,  we  being  thus  persuaded  of 
the  good  will  of  our  heavenly  F'ather, 
declared  by  his  Son  Jesus  Christ,  towards 
this  Infant,  let  us  faithfully  and  devoutly 
give  thanks  unto  him,  and  say  the  Prayer 
which  the  Lord  himself  taught  us. 

Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  Hal- 
lowed be  thy  Name.  Thy  kingdom 
come.  Thy  will  be  done  on  earth.  As 
it  is  in  heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our 
daily  bread.  And  forgive  us  our  tres- 
passes, As  we  forgive  those  who  trespass 
against  us.  And  lead  us  not  into  tempt- 
ation;   but   deliver  us   from  evil.      Amen. 

^  Then  shall  the  Minister  demand  the  name  of  the 
Child ;  which  being  by  the  Godfathers  and  God- 
mothers pronounced,  the  Minister  shall  say  as 
followeth. 

Dost  thou,  in  the  name  of  this  Child, 
renounce  the  devil  and  all  his  works,  the 
vain  pomp  and  glory  of  the  world,  with 
all  covetous  desires  of  the  same,  and  the 
sinful  desires  of  the  flesh,  so  that  thou 
wilt  not  follow,  nor  be  led  by  them? 

Answer.  I  renounce  them  all;  and,  by 
God's  help,  will  endeavour  not  to  follow, 
nor  be  led  by  them. 

Minister.  Dost  thou  believe  all  the 
Articles  of  the  Christian  Faith,  as  con- 
tained in  the  Apostles'  Creed? 

Answer.    I  do. 

Minister.  Wilt  thou  then  obediently 
keep  God's  holy  will  and  commandments, 
and  walk  in  the  same  all  the  days  of  thy 
life? 

Answer.    I  will,  by  God's  help. 

"^  Then  the  Minister  shall  say. 


12  THE   RITES  OF   THE    CHURCH. 

We    receive    this    Child    into    the    con- 
gregation of   Christ's  flock; 
and  do  *sign  him  with  the      *  Here  the  Min- 
sign  of  the   Cross,  in  token     "';:''  '''"'[  ""f 

°  '  a  Cross  upon  tlie 

that  hereafter  he  shall  not  be  Child's fordiwnd. 
ashamed  to  confess  the  faith 
of  Christ  crucified,  and  manfully  to  fight 
under  his  banner,  against  sin,  the  world, 
and  the  devil;  and  to  continue  Christ's 
faithful  soldier  and  servant  unto  Ids  life's 
end.      Amen. 

^  The  same  rule  is  to  be  observed  here,  as  to  the 
omission  of  the  sign  of  the  Cross,  as  in  the  Public 
Baptism  of  Infants . 

*\  Then  shall  the  minister  say. 

Seeing  now,  dearly  beloved  brethren, 
that  this  Child  is  regenerate,  and  grafted 
into  the  body  of  Christ's  Church,  let  us 
give  thanks  unto  Almighty  God  for  these 
benefits ;  and  with  one  accord  make  our 
prayers  unto  him,  that  this  Child  may 
lead  the  rest  of  his  life  according  to  this 
beginning. 

^   Then  shall  be  said,  all  kneeling. 

We  yield  thee  hearty  thanks,  most 
merciful  Father,  that  it  hath  pleased  thee 
to  'regenerate  this  Itifaiit  with  thy  Holy 
Spirit,  to  receive  hi?n  for  thine  own  Child 
by  adoption,  and  to  incorporate  him  into 
thy  holy  Church.  And  humbl}'  we  be- 
seech thee  to  grant,  that  he,  being  dead 
unto  sin,  and  living  unto  righteousness, 
and  being  buried  with  Christ  in  his  death, 
may  crucify  the  old  man,  and  utterly 
abolish  the  whole  body  of  sin;  and  that, 
as  he  is  made  partaker  of  the  death  of  th}' 
Son,  he  may  also  be  partaker  of  his 
resurrection;  so  that  finall\',  with  the 
residue  of  thy  holy  Church,  he  nvA\  be 
ail  inheritor  of  thine  everlasting  kingdom  ; 
through  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

^  Then,  all  standing  up,  the  Minister  shall  say  to 
the  Godfathers  and  Godmothers  this  Exhortation 
folloiving. 


THE   RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH.  13 

Forasmuch  as  this  Child  hath  promised 
by  you  his  sureties  to  renounce  the  devil 
and  all  his  works,  to  believe  in  God,  and 
to  serve  him;  ye  must  remember,  that  it 
is  your  parts  and  duties  to  see  that  this 
Infant  be  taught,  so  soon  as  he  shall  be 
able  to  learn,  what  a  solemn  vow, 
promise,  and  profession,  he  hath  here 
made  by  you.  And  that  he  may  know 
these  things  the  better,  ye  shall  call  upon 
him  to  hear  Sermons ;  and  chiefly  ye 
shall  provide,  that  he  may  learn  the 
Creed,  the  Lord's  Prayer,  and  the  Ten 
Commandments,  and  all  other  things 
which  a  Christian  ought  to  know  and 
believe  to  his  soul's  health;  and  that  this 
Child  may  be  virtuously  brought  up  to 
lead  a  godly  and  a  Christian  life ;  remem- 
bering always,  that  Baptism  doth  repre- 
sent unto  us  our  profession;  which  is,  to 
follow  the  example  of  our  Saviour  Christ, 
and  to  be  made  like  unto  him  ;  that,  as 
he  died,  and  rose  again  for  us,  so  should 
we,  who  are  baptized,  die  from  sin,  and 
rise  again  unto  righteousness ;  continually 
mortifying  all  our  evil  and  corrupt  af- 
fections, and  daily  proceeding  in  all  virtue 
and  godliness  of  living. 

^  Then  shall  he  add,  and  sav, 

Ye  are  to  take  care  that  this  Child  be 
brought  to  the  Bishop  to  be  confirmed 
by  him,  so  soon  as  he  can  say  the  Creed, 
the  Lord's  Prayer,  and  the  Ten  Com- 
mandments, and  is  sufficiently  instructed 
in  the  other  parts  of  the  Church-Cate- 
chism set  forth  for  that  purpose. 

^j  But  if  they  who  firing  the  Infant  to  the  Church 
do  make  such  uncertain  a/tstoers  to  the  Minister's 
questions,  as  that  it  cannot  appear  that  the  Child  was 
baptized  witli  water,  In  the  Name  of  the  Father, 
and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Hoi)-  Ghost,  (which  are 
essential  parts  of  Baptism,)  then  let  the  Minister 
baptize  it  in  the  Form  before  appointed  for  Public 
Baptism  of  Infants  :  sa7'ini;-  that  at  the  dippini^  of 
the  Child'  in  the  Font,  lie  shall  use  this  Form  of 
loords  : 


14  THE   KITES   OF   THE   CHURCH. 

If  tliou  art  not  already  baptized, 
A^. ,  I  baptize  thee  In  the  Name  of  tiie 
father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.     Amen. 

^  If  Jiifdiit  Baplisni,  and  the  rt-icivrng  of  Infants 
baptized  in  private,  are  to  be  at  the  same  time,  the 
Minister  may  make  the  Questions  to  the  Sponsors, 
and  the  succeeding  Prayers,  sei-ve  for  both.  And 
again,  after  the  Immersion,  or  the  pouring  of 
IV (iter,  and  the  receiving  into  the  Church,  the  Min- 
ister may  use  the  remainder  of  the  Service  for  both. 


The    Ministration  of  Baptism   to  Such 

AS  ARE  OF  Riper  Years,  and  Able 

TO  Answer  for  Themselves.  " 


fl  IVheii  any  such  Persons  as  are  of  riper  years  are 
to  be  baptized,  timely  notice  shall  be  given  to  the 
Minister ;  that  so  due  care  may  be  taken  for  their 
examination,  whether  they  he  sufficiently  instructed 
in  the  Principles  of  the  Christian  Peligion ;  and 
that  they  may  be  exhorted  to  prepare  themselves,  with 
Prayers  and  Pasting,  for  the  receiving  of  this  holy 
Sacrament. 

^  And  if  thcv  shall  be  found  fit,  then  the  Godfathers 
and  Godmothers  (the  People  being  assembled  upon 
the  Sunday,  Holy-day  or  Prayer-day  appointed)  shall 
be  ready  to  present  them  at  the  Pont,  immediately 
after  the  second  Lesson,  either  at  Morning  or  Evoi- 
ing  Prayer,  as  the  Minister,  in  his  discretion,  shall 
think  ft.  And  standing  there,  the  Minister  shall 
say. 

Hath  this  Person  been  alread)- baptized, 


^  /f  they  answer.  No  :  then  shall  the  Minister  (the 
People  all  standing  until  the  Lord's  Prayer)  proceed 
as  followeth . 

Dearh'  beloved,  forasmucli  as  all  men 
are  conceived  and  born  in  sin,  (and  that 
which  is  born  of  the  flesh  is  flesh,)  and 
the\-  who  are  in  the  flesh  cannot  please 
God,  but  live  in  sin,  committing  man\- 
actual  transgressions;  and  our  Saviour 
Christ  saith.  None  can  enter  into  the 
kingdom  of  God,  except  he  be  regenerate 


THE   RITES   OF   THE    CHURCH.  15 

and  born  anew  of  water  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost ;  I  beseech  you  to  call  upon  God 
the  Father,  through  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  that  of  his  bounteous  goodness 
he  will  grant  to  these  Persons  that  which 
by  nature  they  cannot  have ;  that  they 
nvcxy  be  baptized  with  Water  and  the 
Holy  Ghost,  and  received  into  Christ's 
holy  Church,  and  be  made  lively  meuibers 
of  the  same. 

^  I'heii  shall  the  Miuisti'r  say, 

Let  us  pray. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  of 
th)'  great  mercy  didst  save  Noah  and  his 
family  in  the  ark  from  perishing  by  water; 
and  also  didst  safely  lead  the  children  of 
Israel  thy  people  through  the  Red  Sea, 
figuring  thereby  thy  holy  Baptism ;  and 
by  the  Baptism  of  thy  well-beloved  Son 
Jesus  Christ  in  the  river  Jordan,  didst 
sanctify  the  element  of  Water  to  the 
mystical  washing  away  of  sin ;  We  be- 
seech thee,  for  thine  infinite  mercies,  that 
thou  wilt  mercifully  look  upon  these  thy 
Servants;  wash  tJiem  and  sanctify  them 
with  the  Holy  Ghost ;  that  they ,  being 
delivered  from  thy  wrath,  may  be  received 
into  the  ark  of  Christ's  Church;  and  being 
stedfast  in  faith,  joyful  through  hope,  and 
rooted  in  charity,  may  so  pass  the  waves 
of  this  troublesome  world,  that  finally  tPiey 
may  come  to  the  land  of  everlasting  life, 
there  to  reign  with  thee,  world  without 
end;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

^  Or  this. 

Almighty  and  immortal  God,  the  aid  of 
all  who  need,  the  helper  of  all  who  flee  to 
thee  for  succour,  the  life  of  those  who  be- 
lieve, and  the  resurrection  of  the  dead; 
We  call  upon  thee  for  these  thy  Servants, 
that  tJiey ,  coming  to  thy  holy  Baptism, 
may  receive  remission  of  their  sins,  by 
spiritual  regeneration.  Receive  them, 
O    Lord,    as    thou   hast   promised    by  thy 


16  THE   RITES  OF  THE   CHURCH. 

well-beloved  Son,  saying,  Ask,  and  ye 
shall  receive;  seek,  and  ye  shall  find; 
knock,  and  it  shall  be  opened  unto  you. 
So  give  now  unto  us  who  ask ;  let  us  who 
seek,  find;  open  the  gate  unto  us  who 
knock ;  that  these  thy  Servants  may  enjoy 
the  everlasting  benediction  of  thy  heavenly 
washing,  and  may  come  to  the  eternal 
kingdom  which  thou  hast  promised  by 
Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

1[  Then  the  Minister  shall  say. 

Hear  the  words  of  the  Gospel,  written  b}- 
St.  John,  in  the  third  Chapter,  be- 
ginning at  the  first  Verse. 

There  was  a  man  of  the  Pharisees, 
named  Nicodemus,  a  ruler  of  the  Jews: 
the  same  came  to  Jesus  by  night,  and 
said  unto  him.  Rabbi,  we  know  that  thou 
art  a  teacher  come  from  God :  for  no 
man  can  do  these  miracles  that  thou 
doest,  except  God  be  with  him.  Jesus 
answered  and  said  unto  him.  Verily, 
verily,  I  say  unto  thee.  Except  a  man 
be  born  again,  he  cannot  see  the  kingdom 
of  God.  Nicodemus  saith  unto  him,  How 
can  a  man  be  born  when  he  is  old?  can 
he  enter  the  second  time  into  his  mother's 
womb,  and  be  born?  Jesus  answered, 
Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  thee,  Except  a 
man  be  born  of  water  and  of  the  Spirit, 
he  cannot  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God. 
That  which  is  born  of  the  flesh  is  flesh ; 
and  that  which  is  born  of  the  Spirit  is 
spirit.  Marvel  not  that  I  said  unto  thee. 
Ye  must  be  born  again.  The  wind  blow- 
eth  where  it  listeth,  and  tliou  hcarest  the 
sound  thereof,  but  canst  not  tell  whence  it 
cometh,  and  whither  it  goeth  :  so  is  every 
one  that  is  born  of  the  Spirit. 

^f  After  'ivhich  he  shall  say  this  Kxhortation  /oll<>7C'in^. 

Beloved,  ye  hear  in  this  Gospel  the 
express  words  of  our  Saviour  Christ,  that 
except  a  man  be  born  of  water  and  of  the 
Spirit,  he  cannot  enter  into  the  kingdom 


THE    RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH.  17 

of  God.  Whereby  ye  may  perceive  the 
great  necessity  of  this  Sacrament,  where 
it  may  be  had.  Likewise,  immediately 
before  his  ascension  into  heaven,  (as  we 
read  in  the  last  Chapter  of  Saint  Mark's 
Gospel,)  he  gave  command  to  his  dis- 
ciples, saying,  Go  ye  into  all  the  world, 
and  preach  the  Gospel  to  every  creature. 
He  that  believeth  and  is  baptized  shall  be 
saved  ;  but  he  that  believeth  not  shall  be 
damned.  Which  also  showeth  unto  us 
the  great  benefit  we  reap  thereby.  For 
which  cause  Saint  Peter  the  Apostle, 
when  upon  his  first  preaching  of  the 
Gospel  many  were  pricked  at  the  heart, 
and  said  to  him  and  the  rest  of  the 
Apostles,  Men  and  brethren,  what  shall 
we  do?  replied  and  said  unto  them. 
Repent,  and  be  baptized  every  one  of  you 
for  the  remission  of  sins,  and  ye  shall  re- 
ceive the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  For 
the  promise  is  to  you  and  your  children, 
and  to  all  that  are  afar  off,  even  as  many 
as  the  Lord  our  God  shall  call.  And 
with  many  other  words  exhorted  he  them, 
saying,  Save  yourselves  from  this  unto- 
ward generation.  For  (as  the  same 
Apostle  testifieth  in  another  place)  even 
Baptism  doth  also  now  save  us,  (not  the 
putting  away  of  the  filth  of  the  flesh,  but 
the  answer  of  a  good  conscience  towards 
God,)  by  the  resurrection  of  Jesus  Christ. 
Doubt  ye  not  therefore,  but  earnestly  be- 
lieve, that  he  will  favourably  receive  tJicsc 
present  Persons,  truly  repenting,  and  com- 
ing unto  him  by  faith  ;  that  he  will  grant 
thcui  remission  of  their  sins,  and  bestow 
upon  them  the  Holy  Ghost ;  that  he  will 
give  tJiein  the  blessing  of  eternal  life,  and 
make  them  partakers  of  his  everlasting 
kingdom. 

Wherefore,  we  being  thus  persuaded  of 
the  good  will  of  our  heavenly  Father 
toward  these  Persons,  declared  by  his  Son 
Jesus  Christ ;  let  us  faithfully  and  de- 
voutly give  thanks  to  him,  and  say, 

2 


18  run  RITES  of  the  church. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  heavenly- 
Father,  We  give  thee  humble  thanks.  For 
that  thou  hast  vouchsafed  to  call  us  to  the 
knowledge  of  thy  grace,  and  faith  in  thee: 
Increase  this  knowledge,  And  confirm  this 
faith  in  us  evermore.  Give  thy  Holy 
Spirit  to  l/iese  thy  Servants,  That  //t^j 
may  be  born  again,  And  be  made  /leirs  of 
everlasting  salvation  ;  Through  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  Who  liveth  and  reigneth  with 
thee  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  Now  and  for 
ever.      Amen. 

Tl  JVit'/i  the  Alinisli-r  shall  speak  to  the  Persons  to  be 
baptized  on  this  7oise. 

Well-beloved,  who  are  come  hither  de- 
siring to  receive  holy  Baptism,  ye  have 
heard  how  the  congregation  hath  prayed, 
that  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  would  vouch- 
safe to  receive  you  and  bless  }'ou,  to  re- 
lease you  of  your  sins,  to  give  }'ou  the 
kingdom  of  heaven,  and  everlasting  life. 
Ye  have  heard  also,  that  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  hath  promised  in  his  holy  Word  to 
grant  all  those  things  that  we  have  pra^-ed 
for;  which  promise  he,  for  his  part,  will 
most  surely  keep  and  perform. 

Wherefore,  after  this  promise  made  by 
Christ,  ye  must  also  faithfull}^  for  )-our 
part,  in  the  presence  of  these  your  Wit- 
nesses, and  this  whole  congregation, 
promise  and  answer  to  the  following 
questions. 

^  The  Minister  shall  then  demand  of  the  Persons  to  be 
baptized  as  followeth  ;  the  (Questions  beint^  considered 
as  addressed  to  them  se'i'erallv,  and  the  .Inswers  to  be 
made  accordingly. 

Question . 

Dost  thou  renounce  the  devil  and  all 
his  works,  the  vain  pomp  and  glory  of  the 
world,  with  all  covetous  desires  of  the 
same,  and  the  sinful  desires  of  the  flesh, 
so  that  thou  wilt  not  follow,  nor  be  led  by 
them? 

Aiistver.  I  renounce  thcni  all;  and,  by 
God's  help,  will  endca\our  not  to  follow, 
nor  be  led  b)'  them. 


THE   RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH.  19 

Minister.  Dost  thou  believe  all  the 
Articles  of  the  Christian  Faith,  as  con- 
tained in  the  Apostles'  Creed? 

Answer.   I  do. 

Question.  Wilt  thou  be  baptized  in  this 
Faith  ? 

Answer.   That  is  my  desire. 

Question.  Wilt  thou  then  obediently 
keep  God's  holy  will  and  commandments, 
and  walk  in  the  same  all  the  days  of  thy 
life? 

Answer.    I  will,  by  God's  help. 

\  Then  shall  the  Minister  say . 

O  Merciful  God,  grant  that  the  old 
Adam  in  tJiese  thy  Servants  may  be  so 
buried,  that  the  new  man  may  be  raised 
up  in  them.      Amen. 

Grant  that  all  sinful  affections  may  die 
in  them,  and  that  all  things  belonging 
to  the  Spirit  may  live  and  grow  in  them. 
A  men . 

Grant  that  they  may  have  power  and 
strength  to  have  victory,  and  to  triumph, 
against  the  devil,  the  world,  and  the  flesh. 
Amen. 

Grant  that  tliey ,  being  here  dedicated 
to  thee  by  our  office  and  ministry,  may 
also  be  endued  with  heavenly  virtues, 
and  everlastingly  rewarded,  through  thy 
mercy,  O  blessed  Lord  God,  who  dost 
live,  and  govern  all  things,  world  without 
end.      Amen. 

Almighty,  everliving  God,  whose  most 
dearly  beloved  Son  Jesus  Christ,  for  the 
forgiveness  of  our  sins,  did  shed  out  of  his 
most  precious  side  both  water  and  blood ; 
and  gave  commandment  to  his  disciples, 
that  the)^  should  go  teach  all  nations,  and 
baptize  them  In  the  Name  of  the  Father, 
and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost; 
Regard,  we  beseech  thee,  the  suppli- 
cations of  thy  congregation  ;  sanctify  this 
Water  to  the  mystical  washing  away  of 
sin;     and   grant    that  tJiese  thy   Servants, 


20  THE   RITES  OF  THE   CHURCH. 

now  to  be  baptized  therein,  may  receive 
the  fulness  of  thy  grace,  and  ever  remain 
in  the  number  of  thy  faithful  children ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

^  llien  shall  the  Minister  take  each  Person  to  be 
baptized  by  the  right  hand ;  and  placing  him  con- 
veniently by  the  Font,  according  to  his  discretion, 
shall  ask  the  Godfathers  and  Godmothers  the  Name  ; 
and  then  shall  dip  him  in  the  water,  or  pour  water 
upon  him,  saying, 

N .  I  baptize  thee  In  the  Name  of  the 
Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.     Amen. 

T[   Then  shall  the  Minister  say. 

We  receive  this  Person  into  the  congre- 
gation of  Christ's  flock,  and 

°       -.    .  ,  .  -^1     ^1  •  *Here  the  Min- 

do  *sign  htm  with  the  sign     .,^^.,.  ,/^,,^^  ,,,,,^^ 

of    the    Cross,   in    token    that      a  Cross  tipon  the 

hereafter  he  shall  not  be  ^'J"'  ^'"'" 
ashamed  to  confess  the  faith 
of  Christ  crucified,  and  manfully  to  fight 
under  his  banner,  against  sin,  the  world, 
and  the  devil;  and  to  continue  Christ's 
faithful  soldier  and  servant  unto  his  life's 
end.      Amen. 

^  The  same  rule,  as  to  the  omission  of  the  sign  of  the 
,  Cross,  is    to  be  obseri'ed   here  as    in   the  Baptism  of 
Infants. 

^   Then  shall  the  Minister  say , 

Seeing  now,  dearly  beloved  brethren, 
that  these  Persons  are  regenerate,  and 
grafted  into  the  body  of  Christ's  Church, 
let  us  give  thanks  unto  Almighty  God  for 
these  benefits ;  and  with  one  accord  make 
our  prayers  unto  him,  that  tJiey  ma\'  lead 
the  rest  of  their  life  according  to  this 
beginning. 

^   Then  shall  be  said  the  Lord's  Prayer,  all  kneeling. 

Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  Hal- 
lowed be  th)'  Name.  Thy  kingdom 
come.  Th}'  will  be  done  on  earth.  As 
it  is  in  heaven.  Give  us  this  da_\'  our 
dail}'  bread.  And  forgixe  us  our  tres- 
passes. As  we  forgixe   those  who  trespass 


THE   RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH.  21 

against  us.      And  lead  us  not  into  tempt- 
ation ;    But  deliver  us  from  evil.      Amen. 

We  )'ield  thee  hearty  thanks,  most 
merciful  Father,  that  it  hath  pleased  thee 
to  regenerate  these  thy  Servants  with  thy 
Holy  Spirit,  to  receive  them  for  thine  own 
children  hy  adoption,  and  to  incorporate 
them  into  th\'  holy  Church.  And  humbly 
we  beseech  thee  to  grant,  that  they ,  being 
dead  unto  sin,  and  living  unto  righteous- 
ness, and  being  buried  with  Christ  in  his 
death,  may  crucify  the  old  man,  and 
utterl}'  abolish  the  whole  bod)'  of  sin ; 
and  that,  as  tliey  are  made  partakers  of 
the  death  of  th}-  Son,  they  may  also  be 
partakers  of  his  resurrection ;  so  that 
finall)',  with  the  residue  of  thy  holy 
Church,  they  ma}'  be  inheritors  of  thine 
everlasting  kingdom  ;  through  Christ  our 
Lord.      Amen. 

^  Tlieii,  all  standing  itp,  the  Minister  shall  use  this 
Exhortation  following;  speaking  to  the  Godfathers 
and  Godmothers  first. 

Forasmuch  as  tliese  Persons  have  prom- 
ised, in  your  presence,  to  renounce  the 
devil  and  all  his  works,  to  believe  in  God, 
and  to  serve  him ;  ye  must  remember, 
that  it  is  your  part  and  duty  to  put  them 
in  mind,  what  a  solemn  vow,  promise, 
and  profession,  they  have  now  made  be- 
fore this  congregation,  and  especially 
before  }'ou  their  chosen  witnesses.  And 
ye  are  also  to  call  upon  theju  to  use  all 
diligence  to  be  rightly  instructed  in  God's 
holy  Word ;  that  so  they  may  grow  in 
grace,  and  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  and  live  godly,  righteously, 
and  soberly,  in  this  present  world. 

^[  And  then,  speaking  to  the  baptised  Persons,  he  shall 
proceed  and  say, 

And  as  for  you,  who  have  now  by 
Baptism  put  on  Christ,  it  is  your  part  and 
duty  also,  being  made  the  children  of 
God  and  of   the    light,  by    faith    in   Jesus 


22  THE   RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH. 

Christ,  to  walk  answerably  to  your 
Christian  calHng,  and  as  bccometh  the 
children  of  light;  remembering  always, 
that  Baptism  doth  represent  unto  us  our 
profession;  which  is,  to  follow  the  ex- 
ample of  our  Saviour  Christ,  and  to  be 
made  like  unto  him ;  that,  as  he  died, 
and  rose  again  for  us,  so  should  we,  who 
are  baptized,  die  from  sin,  and  rise  again 
unto  righteousness  ;  continually  mortif}ing 
all  our  evil  and  corrupt  affections,  and 
daily  proceeding  in  all  virtue  and  godli- 
ness of  living. 

\\  It  is  expedient  that  ereiy  Person,  thus  baptized, 
should  he  confirmed  by  the  Bishop,  so  soon  after  his 
Baptism  as  conveniently  may  be ;  that  so  he  .may 
be  admitted  to   the    Holy    Commiaiion. 

\\  Whereas  necessity  may  require  the  baptizing  of  Adults 
in  private  houses,  in  consideration  of  extreme  sick- 
ness ;  the  same  is  hereby  allo-ved  in  that  case.  And 
a  convenient  number  of  persons  shall  be  assembled  in 
the  house  where  the  Sacrament  is  to  be  administered. 
And  in  the  exhortation.  Well-beloved,  etc.,  instead 
of  these  'words,  come  hither  desiring,  shall  be  in- 
serted this  ivord  desirous.  And  in  case  of  great 
necessity,  the  Minister  may  begin  zuith  the  questions 
addressed  to  the  candidate,  and  end  with  the  thanks- 
giving following  the  haptistn. 

\\  If  there  be  occasion  for  the  Offi-ce  of  Infant  Baptism 
and  that  of  Adults  at  the  same  time,  the  Jllinister 
shall  use  the  exhortation  and  one  of  the  prayers  next 
following  in  the  Office  for  Adults ;  only,  in  the 
exhortation  and  prayer,  after  the  ivords,  these  Per- 
sons, and  these  thy  Servants,  adding,  and  these 
Infants.  Then  the  Minister  shall  proceed  to  the 
questions  to  be  demanded  in  the  cases  respectively. 
After  the  immersion,  or  the  pourins;  of  water,  the 
prayer  shall  be  as  in  this  service ;  only,  after  the 
words,  these  thy  Servants,  shall  be  added,  and 
these  Infants.  After  which  the  remaining  part 
of  each  sei"c'ice  shall  be  used;  first  that  for  Adults, 
and  lastly  that  for  Infants. 

^  If  any  persons,  not  baptized  in  their  infancy,  shall 
be  brought  to  be  baptized  before  they  come  to  years 
of  discretion  to  answer  for  themselves,  it  may  suffice 
to  use  the  Office  for  Public  Baptism  of  Infants  ;  or, 
in  case  of  extreme  danger,  the  Office  for  Private 
Baptism  ;  only  changing  the  word  Infant,  for  Child, 
or  Person,  as  occasion  requireth. 

^  If  there  be  reasonable'  doubt  concerning  the  baptism 
of  any  person,  such  person  may  be  baptized  in  the 
manner  herein  appointed ;  saz'ing  that,  at  the 
immersion  or  the  pouring  of  water,  the  Minister 
shall  use  this  form  of  -iwrds  : 


THE  RITES  OF  THE   CHURCH.  23 

If  thou  art  not  already  baptized,  N.,  I 
baptize  thee  In  the  Name  of  the  Father, 
and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Amen. 


Infant  and  Adult  Baptism, 
Combined. 

Hath  this  person  been  already  baptized, 
or  no?  Hath  this  child  been  already  bap- 
tized, or  no? 

■y  //  they  ans'cver,  No  ;    then  shall  the  Minister  proceed 
as  folloiveth . 

Dearly  beloved,  forasmuch  as  all  men 
are  conceived  and  born  in  sin,  (and  that 
which  is  born  of  the  flesh  is  flesh,)  and 
they  who  are  in  the  flesh  cannot  please 
God,  but  live  in  sin,  committing  many 
actual  transgressions ;  and  our  Saviour 
Christ  saith.  None  can  enter  into  the 
kingdom  of  God,  except  he  be  regenerate 
and  born  anew  of  water  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost;  I  beseech  you  to  call  upon  God 
the  Father,  through  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  that  of  his  bounteous  goodness, 
he  will  grant  to  these  Persotis  and  these 
Infants  that  which  by  nature  they  cannot 
have ;  that  they  may  be  baptized  with 
Water  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  received 
into  Christ's  holy  Church,  and  be  made 
lively  members  of  the  same. 

^   Then  shall  the  Minister  say, 

Let  us  pray. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  of 
thy  great  mercy  didst  save  Noah  and  his 
family  in  the  Ark  from  perishing  by 
water;  and  also  didst  safely  lead  the 
children  of  Israel  thy  people  through  the 
Red  Sea,  figuring  thereby  thy  holy  Bap- 
tism ;  and  by  the  Baptism  of  thy  well- 
beloved    Son    Jesus    Christ,    in    the    river 


24  THE   RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH. 

Jordan,  didst  sanctify  the  element  of 
Water  to  the  mystical  washing  away  of 
sin  ;  We  beseech  thee,  for  thine  infinite 
mercies,  that  thou  wilt  mercifully  look 
upon  these  thy  Servants  and  these  Infants; 
wash  them  and  sanctify  them  with  the 
Holy  Ghost;  that  they,  being  delivered 
from  thy  wrath,  may  be  received  into  the 
ark  of  Christ's  Church;  and  being  sted- 
fast  in  faith,  joyful  through  hope,  and 
rooted  in  charity,  may  so  pass  the  waves 
of  this  troublesome  world,  that  finally 
they  may  come  to  the  land  of  everlasting 
life,  there  to  reign  with  thee,  world  with- 
out end;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

Tl  The  Minister  sltall  then  demand  of  the  Persons  to  be 
baptized  as  folloivs  :  the  Qnestiotis  being  considered 
as  addressed  to  them  severally,  and  the  answers  to  be 
fnade  accordingly. 

Question . 

Dost  thou  renounce  the  devil  and  all 
his  works,  the  vain  pomp  and  glor}'  of 
the  world,  with  all  covetous  desires  of  the 
same,  and  the  sinful  desires  of  the  flesh, 
so  that  thou  wilt  not  follow,  nor  be  led  by 
them  ? 

Answer.  I  renounce  them  all;  and,  by 
God's  help,  will  endeavour  not  to  follow, 
nor  be  led  by  them. 

Question.  Dost  thou  believe  all  the 
Articles  of  the  Christian  Faith,  as  con- 
tained in  the  Apostles'  Creed. 

Answer.   I  do. 

Question.  Wilt  thou  be  baptized  in  this 
Faith? 

Answer.   That  is  my  desire. 

Qnestion.  Wilt  thou  then  obediently 
keep  God's  holy  will  and  commandments, 
and  walk  in  the  same  all  the  da}'s  of  \.\\y 
life? 

Ansiver.    I  will,  b)'  God's  help. 

5^1  IVie  Minister  shall  then  demand  of  the  S/>onsors  as 
folhnvs:  the  (/ nest  ions  being  considered  as  addressed 
to  them  severally,  and  the  answers  to  be  made 
accordingly. 


THE   RITES  OF  THE   CHURCH.  25 

I  demand  therefore, 

Dost  thou,  in  the  name  of  this  Child, 
renounce  the  devil  and  all  his  works,  the 
vain  pomp  and  glory  of  the  world,  with 
all  covetous  desires  of  the  same,  and  the 
sinful  desires  of  the  flesh,  so  that  thou 
wilt  not  follow,  nor  be  led  by  them? 

Answer.  I  renounce  them  all;  and,  by 
God's  help,  will  endeavour  not  to  follow, 
nor  be  led  by  them. 

Minister.  Dost  thou  believe  all  the 
Articles  of  the  Christian  Faith,  as  con- 
tained in  the  Apostles'  Creed? 

Answer.   I  do. 

Minister.  Wilt  thou  be  baptized  in  this 
Faith? 

Answer.   That  is  my  desire. 

Minister.  Wilt  thou  then  obediently 
keep  God's  holy  will  and  commandments, 
and  walk  in  the  same  all  the  days  of  thy 
life? 

Answer.    I  will,  by  God's  help. 

^   T/u'ii  sliall  the  Minister  say, 

O  Merciful  God,  grant  that  the  old 
Adam  in  tliese  Persons  and  these  Infants 
may  be  so  buried,  that  the  new  man  may 
be  raised  up  in  them.      Amen. 

Grant  that  all  sinful  affections  may  die 
in  them,  and  that  all  things  belonging  to 
the  Spirit  may  live  and  grow  in  them. 
Amen . 

Grant  that  they  may  have  power  and 
strength  to  have  victory,  and  to  triumph 
against  the  devil,  the  world,  and  the 
flesh.      Amen. 

Grant  that  they,  being  here  dedicated 
to  thee  by  our  office  and  ministry,  may 
also  be  endued  with  heavenly  virtues, 
and  everlastingly  rewarded,  through  thy 
mercy,  O  blessed  Lord  God,  who  dost 
live  and  govern  all  things,  world  without 
end.      Amen. 

Almighty,  everliving  God,  whose  most 
dearly   beloved  Son  Jesus   Christ,  for  the 


26  THE   KITES  OF  THE   CHURCH. 

forgiveness  of  our  sins,  did  shed  out  of 
his  most  precious  side  both  water  and 
blood ;  and  gave  commandment  to  his 
disciples,  that  they  should  go  teach  all 
nations,  and  baptize  them  In  the  Name  of 
the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost;  Regard,  we  beseech  thee, 
the  supplications  of  thy  congregation ; 
sanctify  this  Water  to  the  mystical  wash- 
ing away  of  sin ;  and  grant  that  these 
Persons  and  these  Infants  now  to  be  bap- 
tized therein,  may  receive  the  fulness  of 
thy  grace,  and  ever  remain  in  the  number 
of  thy  faithful  children;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

^  T/ieii  shall  tlw  Minister  take  each  Person  to  be  l)ap- 
iized  by  the  rii:^ht  hand ;  and  placing  him  con7'eti- 
ieiilly  by  the  Font,  according  to  his  discretion,  shall 
ask  the  Godfathers  and  Godmothers  the  Name ;  and 
then  shall  dip  him  in  the  water  or  pour  water  tipon 
him,  saying, 

N .  I  baptize  thee  In  the  Name  of  the 
Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.      Amen. 

1[  Then  shall  the  Minister  say, 

We  receive  this  Person  into  the  con- 
gregation of  Christ's  flock; 
and  do  *sign  him  with  the  ^urshalVrnTke 
sign  of  the  Cross,  in  token  a  Cross  upon  the 
that  hereafter  he  shall  not  be  -^^''y'^  /"'-''- 
ashamed  to  confess  the  faith 
of  Christ  crucified,  and  manfull}-  to  fight 
under  his  banner,  against  sin,  the  world, 
and  the  devil;  and  to  continue  Christ's 
faithful  soldier  and  servant  unto  his  life's 
end.      Amen. 

^   Then  the  Minister  shall  take  the  Child  into  his  hands, 
and  shall  say  to  the  Godfathers  and  Godmothers, 

Name  this  Child. 

TJ  And  then,  naming  it  after  them,  he  shall  dip  it  in 
the  water  discreetly,  or  shall  pour  xvater  tipon  it, 
saying, 

N.  I  baptize  thee  In  the  Name  of  the 
Feather,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  IloI\- 
Ghost.      Amen. 


THE   RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH.  27 

^[  Then  sJiall  (he  Minister  say. 

We    receive    this    Child    into    the    con- 
' gregation  of  Christ's  flock; 
and  do  *sign  him  with  the      *  Here  the  Min- 
sign  of  the   Cross,  in  token     "'';^'  ''"''  ""'^/ 

fc>  '  (7  Cross  tip  on  the 

that  hereafter  he  shall  not  be  Child's  forehead. 
ashamed  to  confess  the  faith 
of  Christ  crucified,  and  manfully  to  fight 
under  his  banner,  against  sin,  the  world, 
and  the  devil;  and  to  continue  Christ's 
faithful  soldier  and  servant  unto  Jiis  life's 
end.      Amen. 

^  If  those  who  present  the  Infant  shall  desire  the  sign 
of  the  Cross  to  be  omitted,  although  the  Church  know- 
eth  no  worthy  cause  of  scruple  concerning  the  savie, 
yet  in  that  case,  the  Minister  may  omit  that  part  of 
'the  above  rvhich  folloiveth  the  Iminersio)i,  or  the  pour- 
ing of  Water  on  the  Infant . 

^  Then  shall  the  Minister  say , 

Seeing  now,  dearly  beloved  brethren, 
that  tJicse  Persons  and  these  Infants  are 
regenerate,  and  grafted  into  the  body  of 
Christ's  Church,  let  us  give  thanks  unto 
Almighty  God  for  these  benefits ;  and 
with  one  accord  make  our  prayers  unto 
him,  that  they  may  lead  the  rest  of  their 
life  according  to  this  beginning. 

T[  Then  shall  be  said  the  Lord's  Pi-ay er,  all  kneeling. 

Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven.  Hal- 
lowed be  thy  Name.  Thy  kingdom 
come.  Thy  will  be  done  on  earth.  As 
it  is  in  heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our 
daily  bread.  And  forgive  us  our  tres- 
passes, As  we  forgive  those  who  trespass 
against  us.  And  lead  us  not  into  tempt- 
ation;    But  deliver  us  from  evil.      Amen. 

^  Then  shall  the  Minister  say. 

We  yield  thee  hearty  thanks,  most 
merciful  Father,  that  it  hath  pleased  thee 
to  regenerate  tJicse  thy  Servants  and  these 
Infants  with  thy  Holy  Spirit,  to  receive 
them  for  thine  own  children  b)'  adoption, 
and  to  incorporate  them  into  thy  holy 
Church.  And  humbly  we  beseech  thee 
to  grant,  that  they,  being  dead  unto  sin, 


28  THE   RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH. 

and  living  unto  righteousness,  and  being 
buried  with  Christ  in  his  death,  ma}' 
crucify  the  old  man,  and  utterly  abolish 
the  whole  body  of  sin  ;  and  that,  as  they 
are  made  partakers  of  the  death  of  th}' 
Son,  the}'  may  also  be  partakers  of  his 
resurrection;  so  that  finally,  with  the 
residue  of  thy  holy  Church,  they  may  be 
inheritors  of  thine  everlasting  kingdom ; 
through  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

^  Then,  all  standing  up,  the  A/inister  shall  use  this 
Exhortation  following ;  speaking  to  the  Godfathers 
and  Godmothers  first . 

Forasmuch  as  tJiese  Persons  have  prom- 
ised, in  your  presence,  to  renounce  the 
devil  and  all  his  works,  to  believe  in  God, 
and  to  serve  him ;  ye  must  remember, 
that  it  is  your  part  and  duty  to  put  them 
in  mind,  what  a  solemn  vow,  promise, 
and  profession,  they  have  now  made  before 
this  congregation,  and  especially  before 
you  their  chosen  witnesses.  And  ye  are 
also  to  call  upon  them  to  use  all  diligence 
to  be  rightly  instructed  in  God's  hoi}- 
Word;  that  so  they  may  grow  in  grace, 
and  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ;  and  live  godly,  righteously,  and 
soberly,  in  this  present  world. 

^  And  then,  spealcini^  to  the  baptized  Persons,  he  shall 
proceed  and  say, 

And  as  for  you,  who  have  now  by 
Baptism  put  on  Christ,  it  is  your  part  and 
duty  also,  being  made  the  children  of 
God  and  of  the  light,  by  faith  in  Jesus 
Christ,  to  walk  answerably  to  your 
Christian  calling,  and  as  becometh  the 
children  of  light;  remembering  alwaxs, 
that  Baptism  representeth  unto  us  our 
profession;  which  is,  to  follow  the  ex- 
ample of  our  Saviour  Christ,  and  to  be 
made  like  unto  him;  that  as  he  died,  and 
rose  again  for  us,  so  should  we.  who  are 
baptized,  die  from  sin.  and  rise  again 
unto  righteousness;  continuall}'  mortif}- 
ing  all  our  evil  and  corrupt  affections, 
and  daily  proceeding  in  all  virtue  and 
godliness  of  living. 


THE  RITES  OF  THE   CHURCH.  29 

ly  Then  the  Minister  shall  say  to  the  Godfathers  and 
Godmothers  this  'E.xhoria.Uon  following. 

Forasmuch  as  this  Child  hath  promised 
by  you  his  sureties,  to  renounce  the  devil 
and  all  his  works,  to  believe  in  God,  and 
to  serve  him  ;  ye  must  remember,  that  it 
is  your  parts  and  duties  to  see  that  this 
Infant  be  taught,  so  soon  as  he  shall  be 
able  to  learn,  what  a  solemn  vow,  prom- 
ise, and  profession  he  hath  here  made  by 
you.  And  that  he  may  know  these 
things  the  better,  ye  shall  call  upon  him 
to  hear  Sermons ;  and  chiefly  ye  shall 
provide,  that  he  may  learn  the  Creed,  the 
Lord's  Prayer,  and  the  Ten  Command- 
ments, and  all  other  things  which  a 
Christian  ought  to  know  and  believe  to 
his  soul's  health;  and  that  this  Child 
may  be  virtuously  brought  up  to  lead  a 
godly  and  a  Christian  life ;  remembering 
always,  that  Baptism  doth  represent  unto 
us  our  profession;  which  is,  to  follow  the 
example  of  our  Saviour  Christ,  and  to  be 
made  like  unto  him;  that,  as  he  died, 
and  rose  again  for  us,  so  should  we,  who 
are  baptized,  die  from  sin,  and  rise  again 
unto  righteousness ;  continually  mortify- 
ing all  our  evil  and  corrupt  affections, 
and  daily  proceeding  in  all  virtue  and 
godliness   of  living. 

T[   The)i  shall  he  add,  and  say, 

Ye  are  to  take  care  that  this  Child  be 
brought  to  the  Bishop  to  be  confirmed  by 
him,  so  soon  as  he  can  say  the  Creed,  the 
Lord's  Prayer,  and  the  Ten  Command- 
ments, and  is  sufficiently  instructed  in 
the  other  parts  of  the  Church-Catechism 
set  forth  for  that  purpose. 


30  THE   RITES   OF   THE    CHURCH. 


The  Order  of  Confirmation,  or  Laying 

On  of  Hands  Upon  Those  who  are 

Baptized,  and  Come  to  Years 

OF  Discretion. 

^  upon  t/ie  day  appointed,  all  that  are  to  be  then  con- 
finned,  liein^  placed  and  standing  in  o>-der  lief  ore  the 
Bishop,  sitting  in  his  chair  Jiear  to  the  Holy  Table, 
he,  or  some  other  Minister  appointed  by  him,  may  read 
this  preface  follozving ;  the  People  standing  until  the 
Lord' s  Prayer. 

To  the  end  that  Confirmation  may  be 
ministered  to  the  more  edifying  of  such  as 
shall  receive  it,  the  Church  hath  thought 
good  to  order.  That  none  shall  be  con- 
firmed, but  such  as  can  say  the  Creed, 
the  Lord's  Prayer,  and  the  Ten  Com- 
mandments ;  and  can  also  answer  to  such 
other  Questions,  as  in  the  short  Cate- 
chism are  contained :  which  order  is  very 
convenient  to  be  observed ;  to  the  end 
that  children,  being  now  come  to  the 
years  of  discretion,  and  having  learned 
what  their  Godfathers  and  Godmotiiers 
promised  for  them  in  Baptism,  may 
themselves,  with  their  own  mouth  and 
consent,  openly  before  the  Church,  ratify 
and  confirm  the  same;  and  also  promise, 
that,  by  the  grace  of  God,  they  will  ever- 
more endeavour  themselves  faithfull}-  to 
observe  such  things,  as  they,  b\'  their 
own  confession,  have  assented  unto. 

*\   Then    the    Minister   shall  present    unto   the   Bishop 
those  lidio  are  to  be  confirmed,  and  shall  sav. 

Reverend  Father  in  God,  I  present  unto 
you  these  children  [^r  these  persons]  to 
receive  the  Laying  on  of  Hands. 

^y   The)t  the  Bishop,  or  some  Minister  appointed  bv  him, 
may  sav, 

Hear  the  words  of  the  Evangelist  Saint 
Luke,  in  the  eighth  Chapter  of  the 
Book  of  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles. 

When  the  apostles  which  were  at  Jeru- 
salem   heard    that   Samaria    had    received 


THE   RITES   OF  THE   CHURCH.  31 

the  word  of  God,  they  sent  unto  them 
Peter  and  John:  who,  when  they  were 
come  down,  prayed  for  them,  that  they 
might  receive  the  Holy  Ghost:  (for  as 
yet  he  was  fallen  upon  none  of  them : 
only  they  were  baptized  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord  Jesus.)  Then  laid  they  their 
hands  on  them,  and  they  received  the 
Holy  Ghost. 

^   Then  shall  the  Bishop  say, 

Do  ye  here,  in  the  presence  of  God, 
and  of  this  congregation,  renew  the  sol- 
emn promise  and  vow  that  ye  made,  or 
that  was  made  in  your  name,  at  your 
Baptism ;  ratifying  and  confirming  the 
same ;  and  acknowledging  yourselves 
bound  to  believe  and  to  do  all  those 
things  which  ye  then  undertook,  or  your 
Sponsors   then   undertook  for  you? 

*\  And  every  one  shall  audibly  ansiver, 

I  do. 

Bishop. 

Our  help  is  in  the  Name  of  the  Lord; 

Answer.  Who  hath  made  heaven  and 
earth. 

BisJiop.  Blessed  be  the  Name  of  the 
Lord ; 

Answer.  Henceforth,  world  without  end. 

BisJiop.    Lord,  hear  our  prayer. 

Answer.  And  let  our  cry  come  unto 
thee. 

Bishop.    Let  us  pray. 

Almighty  and  everliving  God,  who 
hast  vouchsafed  to  regenerate  these  thy 
servants  by  Water  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
and  hast  given  unto  them  forgiveness  of 
all  their  sins;  Strengthen  them,  we  be- 
seech thee,  O  Lord,  with  the  Holy  Ghost, 
the  Comforter,  and  daily  increase  in  them 
thy  manifold  gifts  of  grace :  the  spirit  of 
wisdom  and  understanding,  the  spirit  of 
counsel  and  ghostly  strength,  the  spirit  of 


32  THE   RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH. 

knowledge  and  true  godliness;  and  fill 
them,  O  Lord,  with  the  spirit  of  thy  holy 
fear,  now  and  for  ever.      Amen. 

^  77/(7/  all  of  thevi  in  ordrr  kncc-lins;  before  the  Bishop, 
he  shall  lay  his  hands  upon  the  head  of  eiJery  one 
severally,   sayin;j;. 

Defend,  O  Lord,  this  thy  Child  {^or 
this  thy  Servant]  with  thy  heaveni}' 
grace ;  that  he  ma)-  continue  thine  for 
ever ;  and  daily  increase  in  thy  Holy 
Spirit  more  and  more,  until  he  come  unto 
thy  everlasting  kingdom.      Amen. 

Ij    'J\en  shall  the  Bishop  say. 

The  Lord  be  with  you. 
Ansivcr.   And  with  th}'  spirit. 

^  And  all  kneeling  down,  the  Bishop  shall  add, 

Let  us  pra}'. 

Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven.  Hal- 
lowed be  thy  Name.  Thy  kingdom  come. 
Thy  will  be  done  on  earth.  As  it  is  in 
heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our  daily 
bread.  And  forgive  us  our  trespasses, 
As  we  forgive  those  who  trespass  against 
us.  And  lead  us  not  into  temptation; 
But  deliver  us  from  evil.      Amen. 

''  .///-/  these  Collects. 

Almighty  and  everliving  God,  who 
makest  us  both  to  will  and  to  do  those 
things  which  are  good,  and  acceptable 
unto  thy  Divine  Majesty;  We  make  our 
humble  supplications  unto  thee  for  these 
thy  servants,  upon  whom,  after  the  ex- 
ample of  thy  holy  Apostles,  we  have  now 
laid  our  hands,  to  certify  them,  b\'  this 
sign,  of  thy  favour  and  gracious  goodness 
towards  them.  Let  thy  fatherly  hand, 
we  beseech  thee,  ever  be  over  them  ;  let 
thy  Holy  Spirit  ever  be  with  them  ;  and 
so  lead  them  in  the  knowledge  and  obe- 
dience of  thy  Word,  that  in  the  end  the\- 
may  obtain  everlasting  life;  through  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  with  thee  and  the 
Holy  Ghost  liveth  and  reigneth  ever,  one 
God,  world  without  end.      Amen. 


THE   RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH.  33 

O  Almighty  Lord,  and  everlasting  God, 
vouchsafe,  we  beseech  thee,  to  direct, 
sanctify,  and  govern,  both  our  hearts  and 
bodies,  in  the  ways  of  thy  laws,  and  in 
the  works  of  thy  commandments;  that, 
through  thy  most  mighty  protection,  both 
here  and  ever,  we  may  be  preserved  in 
body  and  soul ;  through  our  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ.      Anicn. 

^f    Then  the  Bisliop  shall  bless  them,  saying  thus. 

The  Blessing  of  God  Almighty,  the 
Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be 
upon  you,  and  remain  with  you  for  ever. 
Auicu. 

^  And  there  shall  now  be  admitted  to  the  Holy  Com- 
munion, until  such  time  as  he  be  confirmed,  or  he 
ready  and  desirous  to  be  confirmed . 

^[  The  Minister  shall  not  omit  earnestly  to  move  the 
Persons  confirmed  to  come,  without  delay,  to  the 
Lord's  Supper. 


The  Form  of  Solemnization  of 
Matrimony. 

*\  The  laws  respecting  Matrimony,  whether  by  publish- 
ing the  Banns  in  Churches,  or  by  Licence,  being  differ- 
ent in  the  several  States,  every  Minister  is  left  to  the 
direction  of  those  laias,  in  everything  that  regards  the 
civil  contract  between  the  parties. 

^[  And  when  the  Banns  are  published,  it  shall  be  in  the 
folhnving  form:     I  publish  the  Banns  of  Marriage 

between  i\I.  of ■,  and  A^  of .    If  any  of  you 

know  cause,  or  just  impediment,  why  these  two 
persons  should  not  be  joined  together  in  holy 
Matrimony,  ye  are  to  declare  it.  This  is  the  first 
[second  or  third]  time  of  asking. 

^  At  the  day  and  time  appointed  for  Solemnization  of 
A/atrimony,  the  Persons  to  be  iiujrried  shall  come  into 
the  body  of  the  Church,  or  shall  be  ready  in  some 
proper  house,  with  their  friends  and  neighbours;  and 
there  standing  together,  the  Man  on  the  right  hand, 
and  the  Woman  on  the  left,  the  Minister  shall  say. 

Dearly    beloved,   we    are    gathered    to- 
gether here   in  the  sight  of  God,    and   in 


34  THK    RITES   OF   THE    CHURCH. 

the  face  of  this  company,  to  join  together 
this  Man  and  this  Woman  in  holy  Matri- 
mony;  which  is  an  honourable  estate,  in- 
stituted of  God  in  the  time  of  man's  in- 
nocency,  signifying  unto  us  the  mystical 
union  that  is  betwixt  Christ  and  his 
Church  :  which  holy  estate  Christ  adorned 
and  beautified  with  his  presence  and  first 
miracle  that  he  wrought  in  Cana  of 
Galilee,  and  is  commended  of  Saint  Paul 
to  be  honourable  among  all  men :  and 
therefore  is  not  by  any  to  be  entered  into 
unadvisedly  or  lightly;  but  reverently, 
discreetly,  advisedly,  soberly,  and  in  the 
fear  of  God.  Into  this  holy  estate  these 
two  persons  present  come  now  to  be 
joined.  If  any  man  can  show  just  cause, 
why  they  may  not  lawfully  be  joined 
together,  let  him  now  speak,  or  else  here- 
after for  ever  hold  his  peace. 

^  And  also  spi'dkiiii^  unto   the   Persons   who   arc  to  be 
married,  lu-  shall  say, 

I  require  and  charge  }Ou  both,  as  ye 
will  answer  at  the  dreadful  day  of  judg- 
ment when  the  secrets  of  all  hearts  shall 
be  disclosed,  that  if  either  of  )ou  know 
any  impediment,  why  ye  may  not  be 
lawfully  joined  together  in  Matrimony, 
ye  do  now  confess  it.  For  be  ye  well 
assured,  that  if  any  persons  are  joined 
together  otherwise  than  as  God's  Word 
doth  allow,  their  marriage  is  not  lawful. 

■|  '////'  Minister,  if  he  shall  hai'e  reason  to  doubt  of  the 
la7ofulness  of  the  proposed  Marriage,  may  demand 
sufficient  surety  for  his  indemnification  :  but  if  no 
impediment  shall  be  alleged,  or  suspected,  the  Minister 
shall  say  to  the  man. 

M .  Wilt  thou  have  this  Woman  to  th}- 
wedded  wife,  to  live  together  after  God's 
ordinance  in  the  holy  estate  of  Matrimon\? 
Wilt  thou  love  her,  comfort  her,  honour, 
and  keep  her  in  sickness  and  in  health ; 
and,  forsaking  all  others,  keep  thee  only 
unto  her,  so  long  as  ye  both  shall  live? 


THE   RITES   OF   THE    CHURCH.  3o 

^   The  Alan  shall  ansiver, 

I  will. 

^   Tlu-n  shall  the  Minister  say  unto  the  Woman, 

N.  Wilt  thou  have  this  Man  to  thy 
wedded  husband,  to  live  together  after 
God's  ordinance  in  the  holy  estate  of 
Matrimony?  Wilt  thou  obey  him,  and 
serve  him,  love,  honour,  and  keep  him 
in  sickness  and  in  health;  and,  forsaking 
all  others,  keep  thee  only  unto  him,  so 
long  as  ye  both  shall  live? 

1[   The  Woman  shall  answer, 

I  will. 

Tl   llien  shall  the  Minister  say, 

Who  giveth  this  Woman  to  be  married 
to  this  Man? 

'[  Then  shall  they  give  their  troth  to  each  other  in  this 
manner.  The  Minister,  receiving  the  Woman  at  her 
father's  or  friend's  hands,  sh  ill  canse  the  Man  ivith 
his  right  hand  to  take  the  Woman  hv  her  right  hand, 
and  to  say  after  him  as  folloiceth. 

I  M .  take  thee  N.  to  my  wedded  Wife, 
to  have  and  to  hold  from  this  day  for- 
ward, for  better  for  worse,  for  richer  for 
poorer,  in  sickness  and  in  health,  to  love 
and  to  cherish,  till  death  us  do  part, 
according  to  God's  holy  ordinance;  and 
thereto  I  plight  thee  my  troth. 

•[  Then  shall  they  loose  their  hands ;  and  the  Woman 
7vith  her  right  hand  taking  the  Man  by  his  right  hand, 

shall  likewise  say  after  the  Minister  : 

I  N .  take  thee  M .  to  my  wedded  Hus- 
band, to  have  and  to  hold  from  this  day 
forward,  for  better  for  worse,  for  richer 
for  poorer,  in  sickness  and  in  health,  to 
love,  cherish,  and  to  obey,  till  death  us 
do-  part,  according  to  God's  holy  ordi- 
nance;    and  thereto  I  give  thee  my  troth. 

*:  'Then  shall  they  again  loose  their  hands  ;  and  the  Man 
shall  give  unto  the  Woman  a  Ring.  And  the  Minis- 
ter faking  the  Ring  shall  deliver  it  unto  the  Man,  to 
put  it  upon  the  fourth  Jinger  of  the  Woman's  left 
hand.  And  the  Man  holding  the  Ring  there,  and 
taught  by  the  Minister,  shall  say, 


36  THK    RITKS   OF   THE   CHURCH. 

With  this  Ring  I  thee  wed,  and  with  all 
my  worldly  goods  I  thee  endow :  In  the 
Name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and 
of  the  Holy  Ghost.      Amen. 

^  Then,  the  Man,  leaving  the  Ring  upon  the  fourth 
finger  of  the  lVo?nan's  left  hand,  the  Minister  shall 
say. 

Let  us  pray. 

Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  Hal- 
lowed be  thy  Name.  Thy  kingdom 
come.  Thy  will  be  done  on  earth,  As 
it  is  in  heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our 
daily  bread.  And  forgive  us  our  tres- 
passes, As  we  forgive  those  who  trespass 
against  us.  And  lead  us  not  into  tempt- 
ation;   But  deliver  us  from  evil.      Amen. 

O  Eternal  God,  Creator  and  Preserver 
of  all  mankind,  Giver  of  all  spiritual 
grace,  the  Author  of  everlasting  life; 
Send  thy  blessing  upon  these  th}'  ser- 
vants, this  man  and  this  woman,  whom 
we  bless  in  thy  Name;  that,  as  Isaac  and 
Rebecca  lived  faithfully  together,  so  these 
persons  may  surely  perform  and  keep  the 
vow  and  covenant  betwixt  them  made, 
(whereof  this  Ring  given  and  received  is 
a  token  and  pledge,)  and  may  ever  re- 
main in  perfect  love  and  peace  together, 
and  live  according  to  thy  laws;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

*f[    Then  shdll  the  Minister  join   their  right   hands  to- 
gether, and  say. 

Those  whom  God  hath  joined  together 
let  no  man  put  asunder. 

TJ  Then  shall  the  Minister  speak  unto  the  company. 

Forasmuch  as  iM.  and  TV.  have  con- 
sented together  in  holy  wedlock,  and 
have  witnessed  the  same  before  God  and 
this  company,  and  thereto  have  given  and 
pledged  their  troth,  each  to  the  other, 
and  have  declared  the  same  b}'  giving  and 
receiving  a  Ring,  and  b\-  joining  hands; 
I  pronounce  that  the\-  are   Man  and  Wife, 


THE   RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH.  37 

In    the   Name  of  the    F'ather,   and  of  the 
Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.      Amen. 

•[  .•/;/,/  ///,'  Miiiisti'i-  shall  add  this  Bh-ssint;. 

God  the  Father,  God  the  Son,  God  the 
Holy  Ghost,  bless,  preserve,  and  keep 
you  ;  the  Lord  mercifidly  with  his  favour 
look  upon  you,  and  fill  you  with  all 
spiritual  benediction  and  grace ;  that  ye 
may  so  live  together  in  this  life,  that  in 
the  world  to  come  ye  may  have  life 
everlasting.      Amen. 


The  Order  for  the  Visitation 
OF  THE  Sick. 

•y  IVht'ii  liny  person  is  sick,  notice  shall  he  given  thereof 
to  the  ^Minister  of  the  Parish  ;  7C'ho,  coming  into  the 
sick  person's  house,  shall  say, 

Peace  be  to  this  house,  and  to  all  that 
dwell  in  it. 

•j    IVhen  he  conieth  into  the  sick  man's  presence,  he  shall 
sav,  kneeling  down. 

Remember  not.  Lord,  our  iniquities, 
nor  the  iniquities  of  our  forefathers  :  Spare 
us,  good  Lord,  spare  thy  people,  whom 
thou  hast  redeemed  with  thy  most  preci- 
ous blood,  and  be  not  angry  with  us  for 
ever. 

Ajisivcr.      Spare  us,  good  Lord. 

^   Tlien  the-  Minister  shall  say. 

Let  us  pray. 

Lord,  have  mercy  upon  us. 
Christ,  have  mercy  upon  its. 
Lord,  have  mercy  upon  us. 

Our  Father, who  art  in  heaven.  Hallowed 
be  thy  Name.  Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy 
will  be  done  on   earth,  As   it  is  in  heaven. 


38  THK   RITKS   OF   THE    CHIKCH. 

Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread.  And 
forgive  us  our  trespasses,  as  we  forgive 
thoiie  who  trespass  against  us.  And  lead 
us  not  into  temptation;  But  deliver  us 
from   evil.      Amen. 

Minister.    O  Lord,  save  thy  servant; 

Answer.   Who  putteth  /lis  trust  in  thee. 

Minister.  Send  /lijn  help  from  thy  holy 
place  ; 

Answer.  And  evermore  mightily  defend 
him . 

Minister.  Let  the  enemy  have  no  ad- 
vantage of  him  ; 

Answer.  Nor  the  wicked  approach  to 
hurt  hi)n. 

Minister.  Be  unto  him,  O  Lord,  a 
strong  tower  ; 

Answer.   From  the  face  of  his  enemy. 

Minister.    O  Lord,  hear  our  pra\'er. 

Answer.  And  let  our  cry  come  unto 
thee. 

Minister. 

O  Lord,  look  down  from  heaven,  be- 
hold, visit,  and  relieve  this  thy  servant. 
Look  upon  ////;/  with  the  eyes  of  thy 
mercy,  give  him  comfort  and  sure  confi- 
dence in  thee,  defend  liim  from  the  dan- 
ger of  the  enemy,  and  keep  ///;;/  in  per- 
petual peace  and  safety;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

Hear  us,  Almight}'  and  most  merciful 
God  and  Saviour  ;  extend  th}-  accustomed 
goodness  to  this  thy  servant,  who  is 
grieved  with  sickness.  Sanctif}',  we  be- 
seech thee,  this  thy  fatherly  correction  to 
////;/  ,•  that  the  sense  of  his  weakness  ma}' 
add  strength  to  his  faith,  and  seriousness 
to  his  repentance;  that,  if  it  shall  be  thy 
good  pleasure  to  restore  him  to  his  former 
health,  he  may  lead  the  residue  of  his  life 
in  thy  fear,  and  to  th}-  glor\- :  or  else, 
give  hi)n  grace  so  to  take  thy  visitation, 
that,  after  this  painful  life  ended,  he  ma\- 
dwell  with  thee  in  life  everlasting; 
through   Jesus   Christ  our    Lord.      Amen. 


THE   RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH.  39 

^   Then  shall  the  Mi)iister  exhort  the  sick  Person  after 
this  form,  or  other  like. 

Dearly  beloved,  know  this,  that  Al- 
mighty God  is  the  Lord  of  life  and  death, 
and  of  all  things  to  them  pertaining ;  as 
youth,  strength,  health,  age,  weakness, 
and  sickness.  Wherefore,  whatsoever 
your  sickness  be,  know  you  certainly  that 
it  is  God's  visitation.  And  for  what 
cause  soever  this  sickness  be  sent  unto 
you  ;  whether  it  be  to  try  your  patience 
for  the  example  of  others,  and  that  \'our 
faith  may  be  found,  in  the  day  of  the 
Lord,  laudable,  glorious,  and  honourable, 
to  the  increase  of  glory  and  endless 
felicity;  or  else  it  be  sent  unto  you  to 
correct  and  amend  in  you  whatsoever 
doth  offend  the  eyes  of  your  heavenly 
Father;  know  you  certainly,  that  if  you 
truly  repent  you  of  your  sins,  and  bear 
your  sickness  patiently,  trusting  in  God's 
mercy  for  his  dear  Son  Jesus  Christ's 
sake,  and  render  unto  him  humble  thanks 
for  his  fatherly  visitation,  submitting  your- 
self wholly  unto  his  will,  it  shall  turn  to 
your  profit,  and  help  you  forward  in  the 
right  way  that  leadeth  unto  everlasting 
life. 

Tl  If  the  Person  visited  be  very  sick,  then  the  Minister 
may  end  his  Exhortation  in  this  place,  or  else  pro- 
ceed. 

Take  therefore  in  good  part  the  chas- 
tisement of  the  Lord:  for  (as  Saint  Paul 
saith  in  the  twelfth  Chapter  to  the 
Hebrews)  whom  the  Lord  loveth  he 
chasteneth,  and  scourgeth  every  son 
whom  he  receiveth.  If  ye  endure  chas- 
tening, God  dealeth  with  you  as  with 
sons ;  for  what  son  is  he  whom  the  father 
chasteneth  not?  But  if  ye  be  without 
chastisement,  whereof  all  are  partakers, 
then  are  ye  bastards,  and  not  sons. 
Furthermore  we  have  had  fathers  of  our 
flesh  which  corrected  us,  and  we  gave 
them  reverence :  shall  we  not  much  rather 
be  in  subjection  unto  the  Father  of  spirits. 


40  THE   RITES  OF  THE   CHURCH. 

and  live?  For  they  verily  for  a  few  days 
chastened  us  after  their  own  pleasure ; 
but  he  for  our  profit,  that  we  might  be 
partakers  of  his  holiness.  These  words, 
good  brotlier,  are  written  in  holy  Scripture 
for  our  comfort  and  instruction  ;  that  we 
should  patiently,  and  with  thanksgiving, 
bear  our  heavenly  Father's  correction, 
whensoever,  by  any  manner  of  adversity, 
it  shall  please  his  gracious  goodness  to 
visit  us.  And  there  should  be  no  greater 
comfort  to  Christian  persons,  than  to  be 
made  like  unto  Christ,  by  suffering  pa- 
tiently adversities,  troubles,  and  sicknesses. 
For  he  himself  went  not  up  to  joy,  but 
first  he  suffered  pain;  he  entered  not  into 
his  glory  before  he  was  crucified.  So 
truly  our  way  to  eternal  jo\"  is  to  suffer 
here  with  Christ ;  and  our  door  to  enter 
into  eternal  life  is  gladly  to  die  with 
Christ ;  that  we  may  rise  again  from 
death,  and  dwell  with  him  in  everlasting 
life.  Now  therefore,  taking  your  sick- 
ness, which  is  thus  profitable  for  }'ou, 
patiently,  I  exhort  you,  in  the  Name  of 
God,  to  remember  the  profession  which 
you  made  unto  God  in  )'our  Baptism. 
And  forasmuch  as  after  this  life  there  is 
an  account  to  be  given  unto  the  righteous 
Judge,  by  whom  all  must  be  judged, 
without  respect  of  persons,  I  require  you 
to  examine  yourself  and  your  estate,  both 
toward  God  and  man ;  so  that,  accusing 
and  condemning  yourself  for  )our  own 
faults,  you  ma}'  find  mere}'  at  our  heav- 
enly Father's  hand  for  Christ's  sake,  and 
not  be  accused  and  condemned  in  that 
fearful  judgment.  Therefore  I  shall  re- 
hearse to  }"ou  the  Articles  of  our  F"aith  ; 
that  you  ma}'  know  whether  }'ou  do  be- 
lieve as  a  Christian  man  should,  or  no. 

*\  Here  the  Minister  shall  rehearse  the  Articles  of  the 
Faith,  saviinr  thus. 

Dost    thou    believe    in   God  the   Father 
Almight\-.    Maker   of   heaven   and   earth? 


THE  RITES  OF  THE   CHURCH.  41 

And  in  Jesus  Christ  his  only-begotten 
Son  our  Lord?  And  that  he  was  con- 
ceived by  the  Holy  Ghost,  born  of  the 
Virgin  Mary :  that  he  suffered  under 
Pontius  Pilate,  was  crucified,  dead,  and 
buried:  that  he  went  down  into  hell,  and 
also  did  rise  again  the  third  day  :  that  he 
ascended  into  heaven,  and  sitteth  on  the 
right  hand  of  God  the  Father  Almighty : 
and  from  thence  shall  come  again,  at  the 
end  of  the  world,  to  judge  the  quick  and 
the  dead? 

And  dost  thou  believe  in  the  Holy 
Ghost :  the  holy  Catholic  Church ;  the 
Communion  of  Saints :  the  Remission  of 
sins :  the  Resurrection  of  the  flesh :  and 
everlasting  Life  after  death? 

TJ   The'  sick  person  shall  ansiver. 

All  this  I  stedfastly  believe. 

■[[  T/iei!  shall  (he  Minister  examine  whelhei  he  repent 
hit?!  truly  of  his  sins,  and  be  in  charity  -with  all  the 
world;  exhorting  him  to  forgive,  from  the  bottom  of 
his  heart,  ail  persons  that  have  offen-ded  him  :  and  if 
he  hath  off'ended  any  other,  to  ask  them  forgiveness ; 
and  where  he  hath  done  injiuy  or  wrong  to  any  man, 
that  he  7nake  amends  to  the  uttermost  of  his  power. 
And  if  he  hath  not  before  disposed  of  his  goods,  lei 
him  then  be  admonished  to  make  his  Will,  and  to  de- 
clare his  Debts,  zvhat  he  oweth,  and  what  is  07ving 
unto  Jiim,  for  the  better  discharging  of  his  conscience, 
and  the  quietness  of  his  Executors .  Bitt  tnen  should 
often  be  put  in  remembrance  to  take  order  for  the 
settling  of  their  temporal  estates,  whilst  they  are  in 
health. 

^y  The  Exhortation  before  rehearsed,  may  be  said  before 
the  Minister  begins  his  Prayer,  as  he  shall  see  cause. 

^  The  Minister  shall  not  omit  earnestly  to  move  such 
sick  persons  as  are  of  ability,  to  he  liberal  to  the  poor. 

^  And  then  the  Minister  shall  say  the  Collect  following. 

Let  us  pray. 

O  Most  merciful  God,  who,  according 
to  the  multitude  of  thy  mercies,  dost  so 
put  away  the  sins  of  those  who  truly  re- 
pent, that  thou  rememberest  them  no 
more;  Open  thine  eye  of  mercy  upon 
this  thy  servant,  who  most  earnestly  de- 
sireth  pardon  and  forgiveness.      Renew  in 


42  THK   RITKS  OF   THE   CIIt'RCH. 

hiui ,  most  loving  1^'ather,  whatsoever  hath 
been  deca\ed  b}'  the  fraud  and  mahce  of 
the  de\il,  or  b\-  his  own  carnal  will  and 
frailness  ;  preser\'e  and  continue  this  sick 
member  in  the  unit\-  of  the  Church;  con- 
sider his  contrition,  accept  his  tears, 
assuage  his  pain,  as  shall  seem  to  thee 
most  expedient  for  hiui.  And  forasmuch 
as  he  putteth  his  full  trust  onl)-  in  th\' 
mercy,  impute  not  unto  //////  his  former 
sins,  but  strengthen  hiui  with  th)'  blessed 
Spirit;  and,  when  thou  art  pleased  to 
take  //////  hence,  take  him  unto  th}'  fa- 
vour; through  the  merits  of  th\-  most 
dearl\-  beloved  Son,  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.      A  me  II. 

1  77/ tv/  s/iall  the  Minister  say  this  Psalm. 

Psalm    130.     De  Profundis. 
Out    of    the    deep    have    I    called    unto 
thee,  O  Lord   :  Lord,  hear  my  voice. 

0  let  tliine  ears  consider  well  :  the 
voice  of  m\-  complaint. 

If  thou.  Lord,  wilt  be  extreme  to  mark 
what  is  done  amiss  :  O  Lord,  who  ma\- 
abide  it? 

For  there  is  merc\-  with  thee  :  therefore 
shalt  thou  be  feared. 

1  look  for  the  Lord ;  ni}-  soul  doth  wait 
for  him   :  in  his  word  is  m}-  trust. 

M\-  soul  fieeth  unto  the  Lord  :  before 
the  morning  watch,  I  sa}',  before  the 
morning  watch. 

O  Lsrael,  trust  in  the  Lord;  for  with 
the  Lord  there  is  mere}'  :  and  with  him  is 
plenteous  redemption. 

And  he  shall  redeem  Lsrael  :  from  all 
his  sins. 

■'  .IdJiiti;  this. 

O  Saviour  of  the  world,  who  by  th\ 
Cross  and  precious  Blood  hast  redeemed 
us;  Save  us,  and  help  us,  we  humbh" 
beseech  thee,  O  Lord. 

^[  Then  shall  the  Minister  say. 

The  Almight}'  Lord,  who  is  a  most 
strong   tower   to   all   those   who   put   their 


THE   RITES   OF    THE    CHURCH.  4-3 

trust  in  him,  to  whom  all  things  in 
heaven,  in  earth,  and  under  the  earth,  do 
bow  and  obey.  Be  now  and  evermore  thy 
defence;  and  make  thee  know  and  feel, 
that  there  is  none  other  Name  under 
heaven  given  to  man,  in  whom,  and 
through  whom,  thou  mayest  receive  health 
and  salvation,  but  only  the  Name  of  our 
Lord   Jesus   Christ.      Amen. 

•  Here  the  Minister  may  use  any  pdrl  of  the  service  of 
this  Book,  which,  in  his  discretion,  he  shall  think 
convenient  to  the  occasion  ;  and  after  thai  shall  say. 

Unto  God's  gracious  mercy  and  pro- 
tection we  commit  thee.  The  Lord  bless 
thee,  and  keep  thee.  The  Lord  make  his 
face  to  shine  upon  thee,  and  be  gracious 
unto  thee.  The  Lord  lift  up  his  counte- 
nance upon  thee,  and  give  thee  peace, 
both  now  and  evermore.      Amen. 

Prayers  which  may  be  said  with  the  fore- 
going Service,  or  any  part  thereof,  at 
the  discretion  of  the  Minister. 

A  Prayer  for  a  sick  Child. 

O  Almighty  God,  and  merciful  Father, 
to  whom  alone  belong  the  issues  of  life 
and  death  ;  Look  down  from  heaven,  we 
humbly  beseech  thee,  with  the  eyes  of 
mere}-,  upon  this  child  now  l>'ing  upon 
the  bed  of  sickness:  Visit  him,  O  Lord, 
with  th\'  salvation ;  deliver  him  in  thy 
good  appointed  time  from  his  bodily  pain, 
and  save  his  soul  for  thy  mercies'  sake: 
that,  if  it  shall  be  thy  pleasure  to  prolong 
his  days  here  on  earth,  he  may  live  to 
thee,  and  be  an  instrument  of  th}'  glory, 
by  serving  thee  faithfully,  and  doing  good 
in  his  generation ;  or  else  receive  him  into 
those  heavenly  habitations,  where  the 
souls  of  those  who  sleep  in  the  Lord  Jesus 
enjo)'  perpetual  rest  and  felicity.  Grant 
this,  O  Lord,  for  thy  mercies'  sake  in  the 
same  th\'  Son  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who 
liveth  and  reigneth  with  thee  and  the 
Holy  Ghost  ever,  one  God,  world  without 
end.      Amen. 


44  THE   KITES  OK  THE   CHURCH. 

A   Prayer  for  a  sick  Person,  when  there 
appearcth  but  small  hope  of  recovery . 

O  Father  of  mercies,  and  God  of  all 
comfort,  our  only  help  in  time  of  need  ; 
We  fiy  unto  thee  for  succour  in  behalf  of 
this  thy  servant,  here  lying  under  thy  hand 
in  great  weakness  of  body.  Look  gra- 
ciously upon  hUn,  O  Lord;  and  the  more 
the  outward  man  decayeth,  strengthen 
Jiim,  we  beseech  thee,  so  much  the  more 
continually  with  thy  grace  and  Holy  Spirit 
in  the  inner  man.  Give  him  unfeigned 
repentance  for  all  the  errors  of  his  life 
past,  and  stedfast  faith  in  thy  Son  Jesus ; 
that  Jiis  sins  ma}'  be  done  away  by  thy 
mercy,  and  Jiis  pardon  sealed  in  heaven, 
before  he  go  hence,  and  be  no  more  seen. 
We  know,  O  Lord,  that  there  is  no  word 
impossible  with  thee;  and  that,  if  thou 
wilt,  thou  canst  even  yet  raise  him  up, 
and  grant  liim  a  longer  continuance 
amongst  us;  yet,  forasmuch  as  in  all 
appearance  the  time  of  Jiis  dissolution 
draweth  near,  so  fit  and  prepare  Jiim,  we 
beseech  thee,  against  the  hour  of  death, 
that  after  his  departure  hence  in  peace, 
and  in  thy  favour,  his  soul  may  be  re- 
ceived into  thine  everlasting  kingdom ; 
through  the  merits  and  mediation  of 
Jesus  Christ  thine  only  Son,  our  Lord  and 
Saviour.      Amen. 

A  Commendatory  Prayer  for  a  sick  Person 
at  the  point  of  departure . 
O  Almighty  God,  with  whom  do  live 
the  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect,  after 
they  are  delivered  from  their  earthly 
prisons ;  We  humbl)'  commend  the  soul 
of  this  thy  servant,  our  dear  brother,  into 
thy  hands,  as  into  the  hands  of  a  faithful 
Creator,  and  most  merciful  Saviour;  most 
humbly  beseeching  thee,  that  it  ma\'  be 
precious  in  thy  sight.  Wash  it,  we  pray 
thee,  in  the  blood  of  that  immaculate 
Lamb,  that  was  slain  to  take  awa)'  the 
sins  of   the  world  ;    that  whatsoever  defile- 


THE  RITES  OF  THE  CHURCH.  45 

ments  it  may  have  contracted  in  the  midst 
of  this  miserable  and  naughty  world, 
through  the  lusts  of  the  flesh,  or  the  wiles 
of  Satan,  being  purged  and  done  away, 
it  may  be  presented  pure  and  without 
spot  before  thee ;  through  the  merits  of 
Jesus  Christ  thine  only  Son  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

A  Prayer  for  Persons   trou^b/ed  in  mind  or 
in  conscience. 

O  Blessed  Lord,  the  Father  of  mercies, 
and  the  God  of  all  comfort ;  We  beseech 
thee,  look  down  in  pity  and  compassion 
upon  this  thy  afflicted  servant.  Thou 
writest  bitter  things  against  him,  and 
makest  him  to  possess  his  former  iniqui- 
ties; thy  wrath  lieth  hard  upon  him,  and 
his  soul  is  full  of  trouble.  But,  O  merci- 
ful God,  who  hast  written  thy  holy  Word 
for  our  learning,  that  we,  through  patience 
and  comfort  of  thy  holy  Scriptures,  might 
have  hope  ;  give  him  a  right  understand- 
ing of  himself,  and  of  thy  threats  and 
promises ;  that  he  may  neither  cast  away 
his  confidence  in  thee,  nor  place  it  any 
where  but  in  thee.  Give  him  strength 
against  all  his  temptations,  and  heal  all 
his  distempers.  Break  not  the  bruised 
reed,  nor  quench  the  smoking  flax.  Shut 
not  up  thy  tender  mercies  in  displeasure ; 
but  make  him  to  hear  of  joy  and  gladness, 
that  the  bones  which  thou  hast  broken 
may  rejoice.  Deliver'  him  from  fear  of 
the  enemy,  and  lift  up  the  light  of  thy 
countenance  upon  him,  and  give  hijn 
peace,  through  the  merits  and  mediation 
of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

A  Prayer  which  may  be  said  by  the 
Minister  in  behalf  of  all  present  at  the 
Visitation . 

O  God,  whose  days  are  without  end, 
and  whose  mercies  cannot  be  numbered ; 
Make  us,  we  beseech  thee,  deeply  sensi- 
ble   of    the    shortness   and    uncertainty  of 


46  THE   RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH. 

human  life;  and  let  thy  Holy  Spirit  lead 
us  through  this  vale  of  misery,  in  holiness 
and  righteousness,  all  the  days  of  our 
lives :  that,  when  we  shall  have  served 
thee  in  our  generation,  we  may  be  gath- 
ered unto  our  fathers,  having  the  testi- 
mony of  a  good  conscience ;  in  the  com- 
munion of  the  catholic  Church ;  in  the 
confidence  of  a  certain  faith  ;  in  the  com- 
fort of  a  reasonable,  religious,  and  holy 
hope;  in  favor  with  thee  our  God,  and  in 
perfect  charity  with  the  world.  All  which 
we  ask  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Aincji . 

A   Prayer  which   may  be  said  in  case  of 
sudden  surprise  and  immediate  danger. 

O  most  gracious  Father,  we  fly  unto 
thee  for  mercy  in  behalf  of  this  thy  ser- 
vant, here  lying  under  the  sudden  visit- 
ation of  thine  hand.  If  it  be  thy  will, 
preserve  Jus  life,  that  there  may  be  place 
for  repentance ;  but  if  thou  hast  otherwise 
appointed,  let  th\'  mercy  suppl\-  to  him 
the  want  of  the  usual  opportunity  for  the 
trimming  of  liis  lamp.  Stir  up  in  ////;/ 
such  sorrow  for  sin,  and  such  fervent  love 
to  thee,  as  may  in  a  short  time  do  the 
work  of  many  da\-s :  that  among  the 
praises  which  thy  saints  and  hoh'  angels 
shall  sing  to  the  honour  of  thy  merc\- 
through  eternal  ages,  it  ma}'  be  to  tin- 
unspeakable  glor}',  that  thou  hast  re- 
deemed the  soul  of  this  thy  scrx'ant  from 
eternal  death,  and  made  him  partaker  of 
the  everlasting  life,  which  is  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

A    Thanksgiving  for   the    beginning  of  a 
Recovery . 

Great  and  mighty  God,  who  bringest 
down  to  the  grave,  and  bringest  up  again; 
We  bless  thy  wonderful  goodness,  for 
having  turned  our  heaviness  into  jo\-  and 
our  mourning  into  gladness,  by  restoring 
this    our    brother    to    some    degree    of  his 


THE  RITES  OF  THE   CHl'RCH.  47 

former  health.  Blessed  be  thy  Name  that 
thou  didst  not  forsake  him  in  his  sickness  ; 
but  didst  visit  him  with  comforts  from 
above  ;  didst  support  him  in  patience  and 
submission  to  thy  will ;  and  at  last  didst 
send  hiin  seasonable  relief.  Perfect,  we 
beseech  thee,  this  thy  mercy  towards  him; 
and  prosper  the  means  which  shall  be 
made  use  of  for  his  cure:  that,  being  re- 
stored to  health  of  body,  vigour  of  mind, 
and  cheerfulness  of  spirit,  lie  may  be  able 
to  go  to  thine  house,  to  offer  thee  an  ob- 
lation with  great  gladness,  and  to  bless 
thy  holy  Name  for  all  thy  goodness  to- 
wards him;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Saviour,  to  whom,  with  thee  and  the 
Holy  Spirit,  be  all  honour  and  glory, 
world  without  end.      Amoi. 


The  Communion  of  the  Sick. 

■[  Forasmitcli  as  all  mortal  men  are  subject  to  iiiaiiv 
sudden  perils,  diseases,  and  sicknesses,  and  ever 
uncertain  what  time  they  shall  depart  out  of  this 
life ;  therefore,  to  the  intent  they  may  be  always  in 
readiness  to  die,  whensoever  it  shall  please  Almis^hty 
God  to  call  them,  the  Ministers  shall  diligently  from 
time  to  time  (but  especially  in  the  time  of  pestilence, 
or  other  infectious  sickness)  exhort  their  parishioners 
to  the  often  receiving  of  the  Holy  Communion  of  the 
Body  and  Blood  of  our  Saviour  Christ,  when  it  shall 
be  publicly  adjninistered  in  the  Church ;  that  so 
doing,  they  may,  in  case  of  sudden  visitation,  have 
the  less  cause  to  be  disquieted  for  lack  of  the  same. 
But  if  the  sick  person  be  not  able  to  come  to  the 
Church,  and  yet  is  desirous  to  receive  the  Communion 
in  his  house  ;  then  he  must  give  timely  notice  to  the 
Minister,  signifying  also  how  many  there  are  to 
communicate  with  him,  (which  shall  be  two  at  the 
least;)  and  all  things  necessary  being  prepared,  the 
Minister  shall  there  celebrate  the  Holy  Communion, 
beginning  zoith  the  Collect,  Epistle,  and  Gospel,  here 
following 

The   Collect. 

Almighty,  everliving  God,  Maker  of 
mankind,  who  dost  correct  those  whom 
thou    dost    love,    and    chastise   every   one 


48  THE   RITES  OF  THE   CHURCH. 

whom  thou  dost  receive ;  We  beseech 
thee  to  have  mercy  upon  this  thy  servant 
visited  with  thine  hand,  and  to  grant  that 
he  may  take  his  sickness  patiently,  and 
recover  his  bodily  health,  if  it  be  thy 
gracious  will ;  and  that,  whensoever  his 
soul  shall  depart  from  the  body,  it  may  be 
without  spot  presented  unto  thee  ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Anicn. 

11  Le   Epistle.      Heb.  xii.  5. 

My  son,  despise  not  thou  the  chasten- 
ing of  the  Lord,  nor  faint  when  tliou  art 
rebuked  of  him :  for  whom  the  Lord 
loveth  he  chasteneth,  and  scourgeth  every 
son  whom  he  receiveth. 

TJie  Gospel      St.  John  v.  24.       — 

Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you.  He  that 
heareth  my  word,  and  believeth  on  him 
that  sent  me,  hath  everlasting  life,  and 
shall  not  come  into  condemnation ;  but  is 
passed  from  death  unto  life. 

^  After  which  the  Minister  shall  proceed  according  to 
the  form  before  prescribed  for  the  Holy  Communion, 
beginning  at  these  words.  Ye  who  do  truly,  etc. 

^  At  the  time  of  the  distribution  of  the  holv  Sacra- 
ment, the  Minister  shall  first  receive  the  Communion 
himself,  and  after  minister  unto  those  who  are  ap- 
pointed to  communicate  with  the  sick,  and  last  of 
all  to  the  sick  person. 

^  /;/  the  times  of  contagious  sickness  or  disease,  or 
when  extreme  zveakness  renders  it  expedient,  the  fol- 
lowing form  shall  suffice  :  The  Confession  and  the 
Absolution ;  Lift  up  your  hearts,  etc.,  through  the 
Sanctus ;  The  Prayer  of  Consecration,  ending  7vilh 
these  words,  partakers  of  his  most  blessed  Body 
and  Blood;  The  Communion  ;  The  Lord's  Prayer  ; 
The  Blessing. 

^  But  if  a  num.  either  by  reason  of  extremity  of  sick- 
ness, or  for  want  of  warning  in  due  time  to  the 
Minister,  or  for  lack  of  company  to  receive  'with 
him,  or  by  any  other  just  impediment,  do  not  receive 
the  Sacrament  of  Christ's  Body  and  Blood,  the 
Minister  shall  instruct  him,  that  if  he  do  truly 
repent  him  of  his  sins,  and  stedfistly  believe  that 
fe.w/s  Christ  hath  suffered  death  upon  the  Cross  for 
hint,  and  shed  his  Blood  for  his  redemption,  earnestly 
remenibering  the  benefits  he  hath  thereby,  and  .!;'i7'ing 
him  hearty  thanks  therefor,  he  doth  eat  and  drink  the 
Body  and  Blood  of  our  Sa~,<iour  Christ  profitably  to 
his  soul's  health,  although  he  do  not  receive  the 
Sacrament  with  his  mouth. 


THE   RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH.  49 

^  IVhen  the  sick  person  is  insited,  and  receivelh  the 
Ho/v  Cominiinion  all  at  one  time,  then  the  Minister, 
for  more  expedition,  shnll  cut  off  the  form  of  the 
Visitation  at  the  Psalm,  and  s^o  strais^ht  to  the 
Communion. 

^  In  the  times  of  co/ttao-ioi/s  sichness  or  disease,  ivhoi 
none  of  the  Parish  or  neighbours  can  be  gotten  to  com- 
municate with  the  sick  in  their  houses,  for  fear  of  the 
infection,  upon  special  request  of  the  diseased,  the 
Minister  alone  may  communicate  with  him . 

^  This  Office  may  be  used  ivith  aged  and  bed-ridden 
persons,  or  such  as  are  not  able  to  attend  the  public 
Ministration  in  Church,  stcbstituting  the  Collect, 
Epistle,  and  Gospel  for  the  Day,  for  those  appointed 
above . 

T[   Then  shall  the  Priest  say  to   those  mho  come  to  re- 
ceive the  Holy  Communion, 

Ye  who  do  truly  and  earnestly  repent 
you  of  your  sins,  and  are  in  love  and 
charity  with  your  neighbours,  and  intend 
to  lead  a  new  life,  following  the  com- 
mandments of  God,  and  walking  from 
henceforth  in  his  holy  ways ;  Draw  near 
with  faith,  and  take  this  holy  Sacrament 
to  your  comfort;  and  make  your  humble 
confession  to  Almighty  God,  devoutly 
kneeling. 

^  Then  shall  this  General  Confession  be  made,  ly  the 
Priest  and  all  those  who  are  minded  to  receive  the 
Holy  Communion,  humbly  kneeling. 

Almighty  God,  Father  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  Maker  of  all  things.  Judge 
of  all  men  ;  We  acknowledge  and  bewail 
our  manifold  sins  and  wickedness,  Which 
we,  from  time  to  time,  most  grievously 
have  committed.  By  thought,  word,  and 
deed,  Against  thy  Divine  Majesty,  Pro- 
voking most  justly  thy  wrath  and  indig- 
nation against  us.  We  do  earnestly  re- 
pent. And  are  heartily  sorry  for  these  our 
misdoings ;  The  remembrance  of  them  is 
grievous  unto  us ;  The  burden  of  them  is 
intolerable.  Have  mercy  upon  us.  Have 
mercy  upon  us,  most  merciful  Father; 
For  thy  Son  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ's  sake. 
Forgive  us  all  that  is  past ;  And  grant 
that  we  may  ever  hereafter  Serve  and 
please    thee    In    newness    of    life,   To  the 


50  TIIK    RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH. 

honour  and  glory  of  thy  Name;    Through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

^  Then  sluill  Ihc  Priest  (llie  Bisliop  if  In-  be  present) 
stand  up,  and  turning  to  llie  People,  say. 

Almighty  God,  our  heavenly  Father, 
who  of  his  great  mercy  hath  promised 
forgiveness  of  sins  to  all  those  who  with 
hearty  repentance  and  true  faith  turn  unto 
him  ;  Have  mercy  upon  }'ou  ;  pardon  and 
deliver  you  from  all  your  sins ;  confirm 
and  strengthen  }'ou  in  all  goodness ;  and 
bring  you  to  everlasting  life;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

^  Then  sJiall  the  Priest  say, 

Hear  what  comfortable  words  our 
Saviour  Christ  saith  unto  all  who  truly 
turn  to    him. 

Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that  travail  and 
are  heavy  laden,  and  I  will  refresh  )'ou. 
St.  Matt.  xi.  28. 

So  God  loved  the  world,  that  he  gave 
his  only-begotten  Son,  to  the  end  that  all 
that  believe  in  him  should  not  perish,  but 
have  everlasting  life.      St.  Jolin  iii.   16. 

Hear  also  what  Saint  Paul  saith. 

This  is  a  true  saying,  and  worthy  of  all 
men  to  be  received,  that  Christ  Jesus 
came  into  the  world  to  save  sinners. 
I   Tim .  i .   15. 

Hear  also  what  Saint  John  saith. 

If  any  man  sin,  we  have  an  Advocate 
with  the  Father,  Jesus  Christ  the  right- 
eous; and  he  is  the  Propitiation  for  our 
sins.      I  St.  John  ii.   i ,  2. 

*\  After  ivhiclt  tl:e  Priest  shall  proceed,  saying. 

Lift  up  your  hearts. 
Answer.   We  lift  them  up  unto  the  Lord. 
Priest.       Let    us  give    thanks  unto  our 

Lord  God. 
Answer.    It  is   meet  and  right  so  to  do. 

^1    Then  shall  the  Priest  turn  to  the  Lord's  Table,  and 
say. 


THE   RITES   OF   THE    CHURCH.  51 


It  is  very  meet,  right,  and 
our  bounden  duty,  that  we 
should   at  all   times,  and  in     [Hoiy  Father] 
all  places,  give  thanks  unto     w«/  be  omitted 
thee,     O     Lord,      [  *  Holy     |;^^  Trinity-Sun- 
Father,]    Almighty,    Ever- 
lasting  God. 


*  These     words 


day. 


^  Here  shall  folUnv  the  Proper  Preface,  according 
to  the  time,  if  there  be  any  specially  appointed ;  or 
else  immediately  shall  be  said  or  sung  by  the  Priest, 

Therefore  with  Angels  and  Archangels, 
and  with  all  the  company  of  heaven,  we 
laud  and  magnify  thy  glorious  Name ; 
evermore  praising  thee,  and  saying, 

HOLY,    HOLY,    HOLY,  ^y  Priest    and 

Lord  God  of  hosts,  Heaven     P'^ople. 

and  earth  are  full  of   thy  glory  :    Glory  be 

to  thee,  O  Lord  Most  High.      Amen. 

PROPER  PREFACES. 
Upon  Christmas-day,  and  seven  days  after. 

Because  thou  didst  give  Jesus  Christ, 
thine  only  Son,  to  be  born  as  at  this  time 
for  us;  who,  by  the  operation  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  was  made  very  man,  of  the  sub- 
stance of  the  Virgin  Mary  his  mother; 
and  that  without  spot  of  sin,  to  make 
us  clean  from  all  sin.  Therefore  with 
Angels,  etc. 

Upon  Easter-day,  and  seven  days  after. 

But  chiefly  are  we  bound  to  praise  thee 
for  the  glorious  Resurrection  of  thy  Son 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  :  for  he  is  the  very 
Paschal  Lamb,  which  was  offered  for  us, 
and  hath  taken  away  the  sin  of  the  world ; 
who  by  his  death  hath  destroyed  death, 
and  by  his  rising  to  life  again  hath  re- 
stored to  us  everlasting  life.  Therefore 
with  Angels,  etc. 

Upon  Ascension-day,  and  seven  days  after. 

Through  thy  most  dearly  beloved  Son 
Jesus    Christ    our    Lord;    who,    after    his 


52  THE    KITKS   OF    THE   CHURCH. 

most  glorious  Resurrection,  manifestly 
appeared  to  all  his  Apostles,  and  in  their 
sight  ascended  up  into  heaven,  to  prepare 
a  place  for  us;  that  where  he  is,  thither 
we  might  also  ascend,  and  reign  with  him 
in  glory.      Therefore  with  Angels,  etc . 

Upon  Whitsunday,  au(^  six  days  after. 

Through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord;  ac- 
cording to  whose  most  true  promise,  the 
Hoi}'  Ghost  came  down  as  at  this  time 
from  heaven,  with  a  sudden  great  sound, 
as  it  had  been  a  mighty  wind,  in  the  like- 
ness of  fiery  tongues,  lighting  upon  the 
Apostles,  to  teach  them,  and  to  lead  them 
to  all  truth  ;  giving  them  both  the  gift  of 
divers  languages,  and  also  boldness  with 
fervent  zeal  constantly  to  preach  the  Gos- 
pel unto  all  nations ;  whereby  we  have 
been  brought  out  of  darkness  and  error 
into  the  clear  light  and  true  knowledge  of 
thee,  and  of  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ.  There- 
fore with  Angels,  etc. 

Upo)i  the  Feast  of  Trinit}'  only,  may  be 
said , 
Who  art  one  God,  one  Lord;  not  one 
only  Person,  but  three  Persons  in  one 
Substance.  For  that  which  we  believe  of 
the  glory  of  the  Father,  the  same  we  be- 
lieve of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Hol\'  Ghost, 
without  any  difference  or  inequality. 
Therefore  with  Angels,  etc. 

^  Or  e/si-  this  may  he  said,  tlw  ivords  [Holy  Father] 
/h-iiii:;  rclaiiii'd  in  the  introductory  address. 

Vox  the  precious  death  and  merits  of 
thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  and  for 
the  sending  to  us  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  the 
Comforter ;  who  are  one  with  thee  in 
th\'  hLternal  (joilhead.  Therefore  with 
Angels,  etc. 

*\  Then  shall  the  Priest,  kneeling  do~iC<n  at  the  Lord's 
Table,  say,  in  the  name  of  all  those  who  shall  receive 
the  Communion,  this  Prayer  following. 

We  do  not  presume  to  come  to  this  tin- 
Table,  O  merciful  Lord,  trusting  in  our 
own    righteousness,    but    in   th}'    manifold 


THE    RITES   OF   THE    CHURCH. 


53 


and  great  mercies.  We  are  not  worthy 
so  much  as  to  gather  up  the  crumbs  under 
thy  Table.  But  thou  art  the  same  Lord, 
wiose  property  is  aKvi/s  to  have  mercy: 
Grant  us  therefore,  gracious  Lord,  so  to 
eat  the  flesh  of  thy  dear  Son  Jesus  Christ, 
and  to  drink  his  blood,  that  our  sinful 
bodies  may  be  made  clean  by  his  body, 
and  our  souls  washed  through  his  most 
precious  blood,  and  that  we  may  ever- 
more dwell  in  him,  and   he  in  us.      Amen. 

^  When  the  Priest,  standing  before  the  Table,  hath  so 
ordered  the  Bread  and  Wine,  that  he  may  with  the 
viore  readiness  and  decency  break  the  Bread  before  the 
People,  and  take  the  Cup  into  his  hands,  he  shall  say 
the  Prayer  of  Consecration,  as  folhnueth. 

All  glory  be  to  thee,  Almighty  God, 
our  heavenly  Father,  for  that  thou,  of  thy 
tender  mercy,  didst  give  thine  only  Son 
Jesus  Christ  to  suffer  death  upon  the  Cross 
for  our  redemption;  who  made  there  (by 
his  one  oblation  of  himself  once  offered)  a 
full,  perfect,  and  sufficient  sacrifice,  ob- 
lation, and  satisfaction,  for  the  sins  of  the 
whole  world;  and  did  institute,  and  in  his 
holy  Gospel  command  us  to  continue,  a 
perpetual  memor}'  of  that  his  precious 
death  and  sacrifice,  until  his  coming 
again :  For  in  the  night  in 
which  he  was  betrayed,  {a) 
he  took  Bread ;  and  when  (a)  Here  the 
he  had  given  thanks,  i^b)  he     Priest  is  to  take 

the     Paten    into 
his  hands. 

(b)  And  here 
to  break  the 
Bread. 

(c)  .///(/  here 
to    lav   his   hand 

II      the 


brake  it,  and  gave  it  to  his 
disciples,  saying.  Take,  eat, 
(f)  this  is  my  Body,  which 
is  given  for  you  ;  Do  this  in 
remembrance  of  me.  Like- 
wise, after  supper,  (^d)  he  "i""  ,  " 
took  the  Cup  ;  and  when  he 
had  given  thanks,  he  gave 
it  to  them,  saying.  Drink  ye 
all  of  this  ;  for  {e)  this  is  my 
Blood  of  the  New  Testa- 
ment, which  is  shed  for  you, 
and  for  many,  for  the  re- 
mission of  sins;  Do  this,  as 
oft  as  ye  shall  drink  it,  in 
remembrance  of  me. 


(d)  Here  he 
is  to  take  the 
Cup  into  his 
hands. 

(e)  And  here 
he  is  to  lay  his 
hand  upon  every 
vessel  in  ivhich 
there  is  any  Wine 
to  be  consecrated. 


54  THE    RITES   OF    THE    CJU'RCH. 

Wherefore,    O   Lord    and 
heaveni)-  Father,  according  ''     ""'"'"• 

to  the  institution  of  th}-  dear!)-  beloved 
Son  our  Saxiour  Jesus  Christ,  we,  thy 
humble  servants,  do  celebrate  and  make 
here  before  thy  Divine  Majesty,  with  these 
thy  hol\'  gifts,  which  we  now  offer  unto 
thee,  the  memorial  thy  Son  hath  com- 
manded us  to  make ;  having  in  remem- 
brance his  blessed  passion  and  precious 
death,  his  mighty  resurrection  and  glori- 
ous ascension  ;  rendering  unto  thee  most 
hearty  thanks  for  the  innumerable  benefits 
procured  unto  us  b\'  the  same. 

And  we  most  humbh- 
eseech  thee,  (J  merciful 
Father,  to  hear  us;  and,  of  thy  almighty 
goodness,  vouchsafe  to  bless  and  sanctify, 
with  thy  Word  and  Holy  Spirit,  these  thy 
gifts  and  creatures  of  bread  and  wine ; 
that  we.  receiving  them  according  to  th\- 
Son  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ's  hol\"  insti- 
tution, in  remembrance  of  his  death  and 
passion,  may  bo  partakers  of  his  most 
blessed   Bod\-  and  Blood. 

And  wc  earncsll\-  desire  tli\-  fatherl\- 
goodness,  merciful!}-  to  accept  this  our 
sacrifice  of  praise  and  thanksgiving ;  most 
humbl}-  beseeching  thee  to  grant  that,  b\- 
the  merits  and  death  of  th}-  Son  Jesus 
Christ,  and  through  faith  in  his  blood, 
we,  and  all  tin-  whole  Church,  ma}-  ob- 
tain remission  of  our  sins,  and  all  other 
benefits  of  his  passion.  And  here  we 
offer  and  present  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  our 
selves,  our  souls  and  bodies,  to  be  a 
reasonable,  hoi}-,  and  living  sacrifice  unto 
thee;  humbl}'  beseeching  thee,  that  we, 
and  all  others  who  shall  be  partakers  of 
this  Hoi}-  Communion,  ma}-  worthil}-  re- 
ceive the  most  precious  Bod}-  and  Blood 
of  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  be  filled  with  th}' 
grace  and  hea\enl}-  benediction,  and  made 
one  bod}   with  him,  that  he  may  dwell  in 


THE   RfTRS   OF   THE   CHfRCH.  55 

US,  and  we  in  him.  And  although  we  are 
unworthy,  through  our  manifold  sins,  to 
offer  unto  thee  any  sacrifice ;  yet  we  be- 
seech thee  to  accept  this  our  bounden 
duty  and  service ;  not  weighing  our  mer- 
its, but  pardoning  our  offences,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord;  by  whom,  and 
with  whom,  in  the  unit>'  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  all  honour  and  glory  be  unto  thee, 
O  Father  Almighty,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

•^  //ere  may  be  sung  a  //ymn. 

^  /'hen  shall  the  Priest  first  receive  the  I/oly  Com- 
munion in  both  kinds  himself,  and  proceed  to  deliver 
the  same  to  the  Bishops,  Priests,  and  Deacons,  in  like 
manner,  (if  any  be  present,)  and,  after  that,  to  the 
People  also  in  order,  into  their  hands,  all  devoutly 
kneeling.  And  sufficient  opportunity  shall  be  given 
to  those  present  to  communicate .  And  when  he 
delivereth  the  Bread,  he  shall  say. 

The  Body  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
which  was  giv-en  for  thee,  preserve  thy 
body  and  soul  unto  everlasting  life.  Take 
and  eat  this  in  remembrance  that  Christ 
died  for  thee,  and  feed  on  him  in  thy 
heart  by  faith,  with  thanksgiving. 

^  And  the  Minister  who  delivereth  the  Cup  shall  say. 

The  Blood  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
which  was  shed  for  thee,  preserve  thy 
body  and  soul  unto  everlasting  life. 
Drink  this  in  remembrance  that  Christ's 
Blood  was  shed  for  thee,  and  be  thankful. 

•'  /f  the  consecrated  Bread  or  Wine  be  spent  before  all 
■have  communicated,  the  Priest  is  to  consecrate  more, 
according  to  the  Form  before  prescribed ;  beginning 
at.  All  glory  be  to  thee,  Almighty  God.  and  ending 
with  these  words,  partakers  of  his  most  blessed 
Body  and  Blood. 

•^  When  all  have  communicated,  the  Minister  shall 
return  to  the  Lord's  Table,  and  reverently  place 
upon  it  what  remaineth  of  the  consecrated  Elements, 
covering  the  same  with  a  fair  linen  cloth. 

•,'  Then  shall  the  Minister  say  the  Lord's  Prayer,  the 
People  repeating  after  him  every  Petition. 

Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  Hal- 
lowed be  thy  Name.  Thy  kingdom 
come.  Thy  will  be  done  on  earth.  As  it 
is  in  heaven.      Give  us  this  day  our  daily 


56  THK    RITES   OF   TH^    CHURCH. 

bread.  And  forgive  us  our  trespasses, 
as  we  forgive  those  who  trespass  against 
us.  And  lead  us  not  into  temptation; 
But  deliver  us  from  evil :  P'or  thine  is  the 
kingdom,  and  the  power,  and  the  glory, 
for  ever  and  ever.      Amen. 

T[  After  sliall  be  said  as  follo'^oeth. 

Almighty  and  everliving  God,  we  most 
heartily  thank  thee,  for  that  thou  dost 
vouchsafe  to  feed  us  who  have  dul\'  re- 
ceived these  holy  mysteries,  with  the 
spiritual  food  of  the  most  precious  Body 
and  Blood  of  thy  Son  our  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ ;  and  dost  assure  us  thereby  of  thy 
favour  and  goodness  towards  us ;  and  that 
we  are  very  members  incorporate  in  the 
mystical  body  of  thy  Son,  which  is  the 
blessed  company  of  all  faithful  people; 
and  are  also  heirs  through  hope  of  thy 
everlasting  kingdom,  by  the  merits  of  the 
most  precious  death  and  passion  of  th}- 
dear  Son.  And  we  most  humbly  beseech 
thee,  O  heavenly  Father,  so  to  assist  us 
with  thy  grace,  that  we  may  continue  in 
that  holy  fellowship,  and  do  all  such  good 
works  as  thou  hast  prepared  for  us  to  walk 
in;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  to 
whom,  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be 
all  honour  and  glory,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

^   Tlien  sliall  be  said  or  sung,  all  standiirj;,  Gloria  in 
excelsis  ;   or  some  proper  Hynni  from  the  Selection. 

Glory  be  to  God  on  high,  and  on  earth 
peace,  good  will  towards  men.  We  praise 
thee,  we  bless  thee,  we  worship  thee,  we 
glorify  thee,  we  give  thanks  to  thee  for 
thy  great  glory,  O  Lord  God,  heavenly 
King,  God  the  Father  Almighty. 

O  Lord,  the  only-begotten  Son,  Jesus 
Christ;  O  Lord  God,  Lamb  of  God,  Son 
of  the  Father,  that  takest  away  the  sins  of 
the  world,  have  mercy  upon  us.  Thou 
that  takest  awa)'  the  sins  of  the  world, 
have  mercy   upon   us.      Thou   that  takest 


THE  RITES  OF  THE   CHURCH.  57 

away  the  sins  of  the  world,  receive  our 
prayer.  Thou  that  sittest  at  the  right 
hand  of  God  the  Father,  have  mercy 
upon   us. 

For  thou  only  art  holy ;  thou  only  art 
the  Lord;  thou  only,  O  Christ,  with  the 
Holy  Ghost,  art  most  high  in  the  glory  of 
God  the  Father.      Amen. 

TJ   Then  the  Priest  (the  Bishop  if  he  he  present)  shall 
let  them  depart  with  this  Blessing. 

The  Peace  of  God,  which  passeth  all 
understanding,  keep  your  hearts  and 
minds  in  the  knowledge  and  love  of  God, 
and  of  his  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord: 
And  the  Blessing  of  God  Almighty,  the 
Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be 
amongst  you,  and  remain  with  you  always. 
Amen 


Scripture  Readings  with  the  Sick. 

Confession  of  Sin. 

Have  mercy  upon  me,  O  God,  after 
thy  great  goodness ;  according  to  the 
multitude  of  thy  mercies  do  away  mine 
offences. 

Wash  me  throughly  from  my  wicked- 
ness, and  cleanse  me  from  my  sin; 

For  I  acknowledge  my  faults,  and  my 
sin  is  ever  before  me. 

Turn  thy  face  from  my  sins,  and  put 
out  all  my  misdeeds. 

Make  me  a  clean  heart,  O  God,  and 
renew  a  right  spirit  within  me. 

Cast  me  not  away  from  thy  presence, 
and  take  not  thy  Holy  Spirit  from  me. 

O  give  me  the  comfort  of  thy  help 
again,  and  stablish  me  with  thy  free 
Spirit. 

Try  me,  O  God,  and  seek  the  ground 
of  my  heart;  prove  me,  and  examine  my 
thoughts. 


58  THE   KITES  OK   THE   CHUKCH. 

Look  well  if  there  be  an)-  way  of  wick- 
edness in  me ;  and  lead  me  in  the  way 
everlasting. 

I  will  arise,  and  go  to  my  father,  and 
will  say  unto  him.  Father,  I  have  sinned 
against  heaven,  and  before  thee,  and  am 
no  more  worthy  to  be  called  thy  son. 

The  publican,  standing  afar  off,  would 
not  lift  up  so  much  as  his  eyes  unto 
heaven,  but  smote  upon  his  breast,  say- 
ing, God  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner. 

Th  a  n  ksgh  nng . 

I  will  alway  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord  ; 
his  praise  shall  ever  be  in  my  mouth. 

My  soul  shall  make  her  boast  in  the 
Lord  ;  the  humble  shall  hear  thereof,  and 
be  glad. 

0  praise  the  Lord  with  me,  and  let  us 
magnify  his  Name  together. 

1  sought  the  Lord,  and  he  heard  me; 
yea,  he  delivered  me  out  of  all  my  fear. 

They  had  an  eye  unto  him,  and  were 
lightened ;  and  their  faces  were  not 
ashamed. 

Lo,  the  poor  crieth,  and  the  Lord  hear- 
eth  him  ;  yea,  and  saveth  him  out  of  all 
his  troubles. 

The  angel  of  the  Lord  tarrieth  round 
about  them  that  fear  him,  and  delivereth 
them. 

O  taste,  and  see,  how  gracious  the 
Lord  is :  blessed  is  the  man  that  trusteth 
in  him. 

0  fear  the  Lord,  ye  that  are  his  saints; 
for  they  that  fear  him  lack  nothing. 

The  lions  do  lack,  and  suffer  hunger; 
but  they  who  seek  the  Lord  shall  want  no 
manner  of  thing  that  is  good. 

TJic   Love  of  God. 

1  will  mention  the  loving-kindnesses  of 
the  Lord,  and  the  praises  of  the  Lord, 
according  to  all  that  the  Lord  hath  be- 
stowed   on    us,    and    the    great   goodness 


THE    RITES   OF   THE    CHURCH.  59 

toward  the  house  of  Israel,  which  he  hath 
bestowed  on  them  according  to  the  multi- 
tude of  his  loving-kindnesses. 

For  he  said,  Surely  they  are  my  people, 
children  that  will  not  lie :  so  he  was  their 
Saviour. 

In  all  their  affliction  he  was  afflicted, 
and  the  Angel  of  his  presence  saved  them  : 
in  his  love  and  in  his  pity  he  redeemed 
them;  and  he  bare  them,  and  carried 
them  all  the  days  of  old. 

I  love  them  that  love  me ;  and  those 
that  seek  me  early  shall  find  me. 

He  brought  me  to  the  banqueting 
house,  and  his  banner  over  me  was  love. 

I  drew  them  with  cords  of  a  man,  with 
bands  of  love. 

The  Lord  hath  appeared  of  old  unto 
me,  saying,  Yea,  I  have  loved  thee  with 
an  everlasting  love :  therefore  with  lov- 
ing-kindness have  I  drawn  thee. 

Behold  what  manner  of  love  the  Father 
hath  bestowed  upon  us,  that  we  should  be 
called  the  sons  of  God :  therefore  the 
world  knoweth  us  not,  because  it  knew 
him  not. 

God  so  loved  the  world,  that  he  gave 
his  only-begotten  Son,  that  whosoever 
believeth  in  him  should  not  perish,  but 
have  everlasting  life. 

For  scarcely  for  a  righteous  man  will 
one  die :  yet  peradventure  for  a  good 
man  some  would  even  dare  to  die. 

But  God  commendeth  his  love  toward 
us,  in  that,  while  we  were  yet  sinners, 
Christ  died  for  us. 

Hereby  perceive  we  the  love  of  God, 
because  he  laid  down  his  life  for  us. 

Herein  is  love,  not  that  we  loved  God, 
but  that  he  loved  us.  We  have  known 
and  believed  the  love  that  God  hath  to  us. 
God  is  love ;  and  he  that  dwelleth  in  love 
dwelleth  in  God,  and  God  in  him.  We 
love  him,  because  he  first  loved  us. 

I  am  crucified  with  Christ:  neverthe- 
less I  live;    yet  not  I,  but  Christ  livetli  in 


60  THE    RITKS   OF   THE    CHIRCH. 

me :  and  the  life  which  I  now  live  in  the 
flesh  I  live  by  the  faith  of  the  Son  of  God, 
who  loved  me,  and  gave  himself  for  me. 

The  Mercy  and  Forgive^iess  of  God. 

I  have  blotted  out,  as  a  thick  cloud, 
thy  transgressions,  and  as  a  cloud,  thy 
sins :  return  unto  me ;  for  I  have  re- 
deemed thee. 

Come  now,  and  let  us  reason  together, 
saith  the  Lord,  though  }'Our  sins  be  as 
scarlet,  they  shall  be  as  white  as  snow; 
though  they  be  red  like  crimson,  they 
shall  be  as   wool. 

The  Lord  is  merciful  and  gracious,  slow 
to  anger,  and  plenteous  in  mercy. 

He  will  not  always  chide :  neither  will 
he  keep  his  anger  for  ever. 

He  hath  not  dealt  with  us  after  our 
sins ;  nor  rewarded  us  according  to  our 
iniquities. 

For  as  the  heaven  is  high  above  the 
earth,  so  great  is  his  mercy  toward  them 
that  fear  him 

As  far  as  the  east  is  from  the  west,  so 
far  hath  he  removed  our  transgressions 
from  us. 

Like  as  a  father  pitieth  Jiis  children,  so 
the  Lord  pitieth  them  that  fear  him. 

As  for  our  transgressions,  thou  shalt 
purge  them  away. 

The  Lord  is  long-suffering  to  us-ward, 
not  willing  that  any  should  perish,  but 
that  all  should  come  to  repentance. 

If  we  confess  our  sins,  he  is  faithful  and 
just  to  forgive  us  our  sins,  and  to  cleanse 
us  from  all  unrighteousness. 

Keeping  mercy  for  thousands,  forgiving 
iniquity,  and  transgression,  and  sin. 

Their  sins  and  iniquities  will  I  remem- 
ber no  more. 

Blessed  is  he  whose  unrighteousness 
is  forgiven,  and  whose  sin  is  covered. 
Blessed  is  the  man  unto  whom  the  Lord 
imputeth  no  sin,  and  in  whose  spirit 
there  is  no  guile. 


THE   RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH.  61 

He  retaineth  not  his  anger  for  ever, 
because  he  deUghteth  in  mercy.  He  will 
turn  again,  he  will  have  compassion  upon 
us;  he  will  subdue  our  iniquities;  and 
thou  wilt  cast  all  their  sins  into  the  depths 
of  the  sea. 

Let  the  wicked  forsake  his  way,  and 
the  unrighteous  man  his  thoughts,  and  let 
him  return  unto  the  Lord,  and  he  will 
have  mercy  upon  him;  and  to  our  God, 
for  he  will  abundantly  pardon. 

Who  crowneth  thee  with  loving-kind- 
ness and  tender  mercies. 

//  is  of  the  Lord's  mercies  that  we  are 
not  consumed,  because  his  compassions 
fail  not. 

T/uy  are  new  every  morning :  great  is 
thy  faithfulness. 

The  Lord  is  my  portion,  saith  my  soul; 
therefore  will  I  hope  in  him. 

The  Lord  is  good  unto  them  that  wait 
for  him,  to  the  soul  that  seeketh  him. 

//  is  good  that  a  man  should  both  hope 
and  quietly  wait  for  the  salvation  of  the 
Lord. 

The  Lord  will  not  cast  off  for  ever: 

But  though  he  cause  grief,  yet  will  he 
have  compassion  according  to  the  multi- 
tude of  his  mercies. 

For  he  doth  not  afiflict  willing!)-,  nor 
grieve  the  children  of  men. 

Salvation  through   Faith. 

Believe  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and 
thou  shalt  be  saved,  and  thy  house. 

Behold,  I  lay  in  Sion  a  stumbling-stone, 
and  rock  of  offence ;  and  whosoever  be- 
lieveth  on  him  shall  not  be  ashamed. 

I  am  come  a  light  into  the  world,  that 
whosoever  believeth  on  me  should  not 
abide  in  darkness. 

Thy  faith  hath  saved  thee,  go  in  peace. 

To  him  give  all  the  prophets  witness, 
that,  through  his  name,  whosoever  be- 
lieveth on  liim  shall  receive  remission  of 
sins. 


62  THK   KITKS   OF   THE    CHURCH. 

The  Scripture  hath  concluded  all  under 
sin,  that  the  promise  by  faith  of  Jesus 
Christ  might  be  given  to  them  that 
believe. 

As  Moses  lifted  up  tlie  serpent  in  the 
wilderness,  even  so  must  the  Son  of  man 
be  lifted  up : 

That  whosoever  believeth  in  him  should 
not  perish,  but  have  eternal  life. 

By  grace  are  ye  saved  through  faith ; 
and  that  not  of  yourselves :  //  is  the 
gift  of  God. 

God  sent  not  his  Son  into  the  world  to 
condemn  the  world ;  but  that  the  world 
through  him  might  be  saved. 

He  that  believeth  on  him  is  not  con- 
demned :  but  he  that  believeth  not  is  con- 
demned already,  because  he  hath  not  be- 
lieved in  the  name  of  the  only  begotten 
Son   of  God. 

Now  faith  is  the  substance  of  things 
hoped  for,  the  evidence  of  things  not 
seen. 

We  trust  in  the  living  God,  who  is  the 
Saviour  of  all  men,  especially  of  those 
that  believe. 

Blessed  are  they  that  have  not  seen, 
and  yet  have  believed. 

But  without  faith  it  is  impossible  to 
please  him :  for  he  that  cometh  to  God 
must  Believe  that  he  is,  and  that  he  is  a 
rewarder  of  them  that  diligently  seek  him. 

Now  the  just  shall  live  by  faith:  but  if 
any  man  draw  back,  my  soul  shall  have 
no  pleasure  in  him. 

But  we  arc  not  of  them  who  draw  back 
unto  perdition  ;  but  of  them  that  believe 
to  the  saving  of  the  soul. 

Whatsoever  is  born  of  God  overcometh 
the  world :  and  this  is  the  victory  that 
overcometh  the  world,  even  our  faith. 

With  the  heart  man  believeth  unto 
righteousness ;  and  with  the  mouth  con- 
fession is  made  unto  salvation. 

For  the  scripture  saith,  Whosoever  be- 
lieveth on  him  shall  not  be  ashamed. 


THE  RITES  OF  THE   CHURCH.  63 

The  Faithfulness  of  God. 

Know  therefore  that  the  Lord  thy  God, 
he  is  God,  the  faithful  God,  which  keep- 
eth  covenant  and  mercy  with  them  that 
love  him  and  keep  his  commandments  to 
a  thousand  generations. 

Behold  this  day  I  am  going  the  way  of 
all  the  earth :  and  ye  know  in  all  your 
hearts  and  in  all  your  souls,  that  not  one 
thing  hath  failed  of  all  the  good  things 
which  the  Lord  your  God  spake  concern- 
ing you;  all  are  come  to  pass  unto  you, 
a)id  not  one  thing  hath  failed  thereof. 

God  is  not  a  man,  that  he  should  lie: 
neither  the  son  of  man,  that  he  should 
repent:  hath  he  said,  and  shall  he  not  do 
it?  or  hath  he  spoken,  and  shall  he  not 
make  it  good? 

My  covenant  will  I  not  break,  nor  alter 
the  thing  that  is  gone  out  of  my  lips. 

He  hath  been  alway  mindful  of  his 
covenant  and  promise,  that  he  made  to  a 
thousand  generations. 

Thy  mercy,  O  Lord,  reacheth  unto  the 
heavens,  and  thy  faithfulness  unto  the 
clouds. 

O  Lord,  thou  art  my  God;  I  will  exalt 
thee,  I  will  praise  thy  name;  for  thou 
hast  done  wonderful  things ;  thy  counsels 
of  old  are  faithfulness  and  truth. 

He  is  faithful  that  promised. 

Encouragements    to    Prayer. 

Call  upon  me  in  the  time  of  trouble ;  so 
will  I  hear  thee,  and  thou  shalt  praise 
me. 

The  Lord  is  nigh  unto  all  them  that 
call  upon  him;  yea,  all  such  as  call  upon 
him  faithfully. 

He  will  fulfil  the  desire  of  them  that 
fear  him  ;  he  also  will  hear  their  cry,  and 
will  help  them. 

It  shall  come  to  pass,  that  before  they 
call,  I  will  answer;  and  while  they  are 
yet  speaking,  I  will  hear. 


64  THE   RITES   OF   THK    CHURCH. 

Then  shalt  thou  call,  and  the  Lord  shall 
answer:  thou  shalt  cry,  and  he  shall  say, 
Here  I  am. 

They  shall  call  on  m\'  name,  and  I  will 
hear  them:  1  will  say,  It  is  my  people; 
and  they  shall  sa)-  the  Lord  is  my  God. 

Ask,  and  it  shall  be  given  you  ;  seek, 
and  ye  shall  find;  knock,  and  it  shall  be 
opened  unto  you  : 

For  every  one  that  asketh  receiveth ; 
and  he  that  seeketh  findeth  ;  and  to  him 
that  knocketh  it  shall  be  opened. 

And  all  things,  whatsoever  ye  shall  ask 
in  prayer,  believing,  ye  shall  receive. 

Whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  in  my  name, 
that  will  I  do,  that  the  Father  may  be 
glorified  in  the  Son. 

If  ye  shall  ask  any  thing  in  my  name,  I 
will  do  //. 

If  ye  abide  in  me,  and  my  words  abide 
in  you,  ye  shall  ask  what  ye  will,  and  it 
shall  be  done  unto  you. 

The  effectual  fervent  prayer  of  a  right- 
eous man  availeth  much. 

Whatsoever  we  ask,  we  receive  of  him, 
because  we  keep  his  commandments,  and 
do  those  things  that  are  pleasing  in  his 
sight. 

TJie  Benefits  of  Affliction. 

Happy  is  the  man  whom  God  correct- 
eth ;  therefore  despise  not  thou  the 
chastening  of  the  Almighty.  For  he 
maketh  sore,  and  bindeth  up  ;  he  wound- 
eth,  and  his  hands  make  whole. 

Blessed  is  the  man  whom  thou  chastcn- 
est,  O  Lord,  and  teachest  him  out  of  th)' 
law;  that  thou  max'cst  give  him  rest  from 
the  days  of  adversity,  until  the  pit  be 
digged  for  the  wicked. 

Before  I  was  afflicted  I  went  astrax- ; 
but  now  have  I  kept  thy  word.  It  is 
good  for  me  that  I  have  been  afflicted, 
that  I  might  learn  thy  statutes.  I  know, 
O  Lord,  th)'  judgments  are  right,  and 
that  thou  in  faithfulness  hast  afflicted  me. 


THE   RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH.  65 

Whom  the  Lord  loveth  he  correcteth, 
even  as  a  father  the  son  in  whom  he 
delighteth. 

Our  light  affliction,  which  is  but  for  a 
moment,  worketh  for  us  a  far  more  ex- 
ceeding and  eternal  weight  of  glory,  while 
we  look  not  at  the  things  which  are  seen, 
but  at  the  things  which  are  not  seen ;  for 
the  things  which  are  seen  are  temporal, 
but  the  things  which  are  not  seen  are 
eternal. 

It  is  good  for  me  that  I  have  been 
afflicted  ;    that  I  might  learn  thy  statutes. 

God  is  our  refuge  and  strength,  a  very 
present  help  in  trouble.  Therefore  will 
we  not  fear,  though  the  earth  be  removed, 
and  though  the  mountains  be  carried  into 
the  midst  of  the  sea.  Though  the  waters 
thereof  roar,  and  be  troubled ;  though  the 
mountains  shake  with  the  swelling  thereof. 

Cast  thy  burden  upon  the  Lord,  and  he 
shall  sustain  thee :  he  shall  never  suffer 
the  righteous  to  be  moved. 

I  will  be  glad  and  rejoice  in  thy  mercy : 
for  thou  hast  considered  my  trouble ; 
thou  hast  known  my  soul  in  adversities. 

Though  I  walk  in  the  midst  of  trouble, 
thou  wilt  revive  me ;  thou  shalt  stretch 
forth  thine  hand  against  the  wrath  of  mine 
enemies,  and  thy  right  hand  shall  save 
me. 

My  flesh  and  heart  faileth  ;  but  God  is 
the  strength  of  my  heart. 

The  Lord  upholdeth  all  that  fall,  and 
raiseth  up  all  that  are  bowed  down. 

Thou  hast  been  a  strength  to  the  poor, 
a  strength  to  the  needy  in  his  distress,  a 
refuge  from  the  storm,  a  shadow  from  the 
heat,  when  the  blast  of  the  terrible  ones  is 
as  a  storm  against  the  wall. 

He  will  not  lay  upon  man  more  than  is 
right,  that  he  should  enter  into  judgment 
with  God. 

His  anger  endureth  but  a  moment ;  in 
his  favor  is  life :  weeping  may  endure  for 
a  night,  but  joy  cometh  in  the  morning. 


66  THE   RITES   OF   THE    CHURCH. 

Many  are  the  afflictions  of  the  right- 
eous ;  but  the  Lord  dehvereth  him  out  of 
tlicm  all. 

Patience. 

Be  patient  therefore,  brethren,  unto 
the  coming  of  the  Lord.  Behold,  the 
husbandman  waiteth  for  the  precious  fruit 
of  the  earth,  and  hath  long  patience  for 
it,  until  he  receive  the  early  and  latter 
rain. 

Be  ye  also  patient;  establish  your 
hearts :  for  the  coming  of  the  Lord  dravv- 
eth  nigh. 

Grudge  not  one  against  another,  breth- 
ren, lest  ye  be  condemned:  behold,  the 
judge  standeth  before  the  door. 

Take,  my  brethren,  the  prophets,  who 
have  spoken  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  for 
an  example  of  suffering  affliction,  and  of 
patience. 

Behold,  we  count  them  happy  which 
endure.  Ye  have  heard  of  the  patience 
of  Job,  and  have  seen  the  end  of  the 
Lord;  that  the  Lord  is  very  pitiful,  and 
of  tender  mercy. 

Cast  not  away  therefore  your  confi- 
dence, whicli  hath  great  recompense  of 
reward. 

P'or  ye  have  need  of  patience,  that, 
after  ye  have  done  the  will  of  God,  ye 
might   receive   the  promise. 

My  brethren,  count  it  all  joy  when  ye 
fall  into  divers  temptations ; 

Knowing  tJiis,  that  the  tr}ing  of  your 
faith  worketh  patience. 

But  let  patience  have  Jier  perfect  work, 
that  }e  may  be  perfect  and  entire,  wanting 
nothing. 

WatcJifulncss. 

Let  your  loins  be  girded  about,  and 
j<?//r  lights  burning; 

And  )'e  yourselves  like  unto  men  that 
wait  for  their  lord,  when  he  will  return 
from  the  wedding;    that  when  he  cometh 


THE  RITES  OF  THE   CHURCH.  67 

and  knocketh,  they  may  open  unto  him 
immediately. 

Blessed  are  those  servants',  whom  the 
lord  when  he  cometh  shall  find  watching : 
verily  I  say  unto  you,  that  he  shall  gird 
himself,  and  make  them  to  sit  down  to 
meat,  and  will  come  forth  and  serve 
them. 

And  if  he  shall  come  in  the  second 
watch,  or  come  in  the  third  watch,  and 
find  tJiem  so,  blessed  are  those  servants. 

And  this  know,  that  if  the  good  man  of 
the  house  had  known  what  hour  the  thief 
would  como,  he  would  have  watched,  and 
not  have  suffered  his  house  to  be  broken 
through. 

Be  ye  therefore  ready  also :  for  the  Son 
of  man  cometh  at  an  hour  when  ye  think 
not. 

The  Better  Life. 

Let  not  your  heart  be  troubled :  ye  be- 
lieve in  God;  believe  also  in  me.  In  my 
Father's  house  are  many  mansions:  if  it 
were  not  so,  I  would  have  told  you.  I  go 
to  prepare  a  place  for  you.  And  if  I  go 
to  prepare  a  place  for  you,  I  will  come 
again,  and  receive  you  unto  myself;  that 
where  I  am,  there  ye  may  be  also. 

Jesus  Christ  hath  abolished  death,  and 
hath  brought  life  and  immortality  to  light 
through  the  Gospel. 

Eye  hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard, 
neither  have  entered  into  the  heart  of 
man,  the  things  which  God  hath  prepared 
for  them  that  love  him. 

We  know  that  if  our  earthly  house  of 
this  tabernacle  were  dissolved,  we  have  a 
building  of  God,  an  house  not  made  with 
hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens. 

I  know  whom  I  have  believed,  and  am 
persuaded  that  he  is  able  to  keep  that 
which  I  have  committed  unto  him  against 
that  day. 

Henceforth  there  is  laid  up  for  me  a 
crown  of  righteousness,  which   the   Lord, 


68  THE   RITES   OF   THE    CHIRCH. 

the  righteous  Judge,  shall  give  me  at  that 
day:  and  not  to  me  only,  but  unto  all 
•  them  also  that  love  his  appearing. 

For  this  God  is  our  God,  for  ever  and 
ever:  he  will  be  our  guide,  even  unto 
death . 

God  will  redeem  my  soul  from  the 
power  of  the  grave;  for  he  shall  receive 
me. 

My  flesh  and  my  heart  faileth  ;  but 
God  is  the  strength  of  m)-  heart,  and  m\' 
portion  for  ever. 

Into  thy  hands  I  commend  m\'  spirit : 
for  thou  hast  redeemed  me,  O  Lord,  thou 
God  of  truth. 

The  righteous  shall  shine  forth  as  the 
sun  in  the  kingdom  of  their  Father. 

They  that  be  wise  shall  shine  as  the 
brightness  of  the  firmament ;  and  they 
that  turn  many  to  righteousness,  as  the 
stars  for  ever  and  ever. 

He  is  able  to  present  you  faultless  be- 
fore the  presence  of  his  glory,  with  ex- 
ceeding jo}'. 

And  I  saw  no  temple  therein  ;  for  the 
Lord  God  Almight)-  and  the  Lamb  are 
the  temple  of  it. 

And  the  city  had  no  need  of  the  sun, 
neither  of  the  moon,  to  shine  in  it:  for 
the  glory  of  God  did  lighten  it,  and  the 
Lamb  is  the  light  thereof. 

And  God  shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from 
their  eyes;'  and  there  shall  be  no  more 
death,  neither  sorrow,  nor  cr}^ing,  neither 
shall  there  be  any  more  pain :  for  the 
former  things  are  passed  awa\-. 

It  is  your  Father's  good  pleasure  to 
give  you   the  kingdom. 

An  entrance  shall  he  ministered  unto 
you  abundantl)-  into  the  everlasting 
kingdom  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ. 

The  Lord  will  preserve  me  unto  his 
heavenl}'  kingdom. 

The  Lord  shall  be  thine  everlasting 
light,  and  the  dax's  of  th}'  mourning  shall 
be  ended. 


THE   RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH.  69 

Thou  wilt  show  me  the  path  of  hfe  ;  in 
thy  presence  is  fulness,  of  joy,  at  thy  right 
hand  there  are  pleasures  for  evermore. 

As  for  me,  I  will  behold  thy  face  in 
righteousness :  I  shall  be  satisfied  when  I 
awake  with  thy  likeness. 

With  thee  is  the  fountain  of  life :  in  thy 
light  we  shall  see  light. 

So  shall  we  be  ever  with  the  Lord. 


Special  Prayers  for  the  Sick. 

For  Submission . 

O  God  who  art  a  very  present  help  in 
every  time  of  trouble ;  Look  with  pity 
upon  thy  servant,  visited  by  thy  hand. 
Sanctify  this  sickness  to  his  good,  and 
help  him  to  bear  it  with  such  silbmission, 
that  Jie  may  be  able  to  say  out  of  a  fervent 
heart,  "  Th}'  will  be  done."  Give  Jiim  a 
deep  sense  of  thy  mercy  and  a  strong 
hold  of  thy  promises.  Let  no  cloud 
obscure  thy  peace  from  liim  and  no 
temptation  bring  disquietude  to  his  soul. 
This  we  ask  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.      Amen. 

For  the   Holy  Spirit. 

Merciful  Father,  who  hast  revealed  thy- 
self to  us  through  the  Holy  Spirit;  Grant 
the  blessed  presence  of  the  divine  Com- 
forter to  thy  sick  servant,  that  he  may 
have  abundantly  joy,  peace  and  heavenly 
illumination.  Enlarge  his  hopes  and 
strengthen  his  faith,  and  may  his  sickness, 
through  the  blessed  Spirit,  bring  him  into 
closer  communion  with  thyself,  so  that  he 
may  truly  feel  that  it  is  good  for  him  to 
be  afflicted.  Grant  this,  we  beseech  thee, 
for  the  sake  of  thy  Son,  our  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ.      Amen. 


70  THK    KITES   OF   THE   CHURCH. 

For  Fclhnvship  with   CJirist. 

Gracious  and  adorable  Saviour,  who 
didst  suffer  for  us,  and  canst  enter  into 
sympathy  with  us  in  all  our  trials  and 
sorrows  -^  Regard  thine  afflicted  servant 
with  the  eyes  of  thy  compassion.  Draw 
tenderly  near  to  him,  that  lie  may  have 
fellowship  with  thee,  and  be  filled  with 
the  assurance  that  thou  lovest  him  and 
carest  for  Jiim.  May  the  thought  of  thy 
cross  and  passion  sustain  and  comfort 
him.  Daily  may  he  learn  of  thee  and 
know  the  preciousness  of  thy  salvation. 
Be  pleased  to  give  him  thy  mind  and 
conform  him  to  thine  image,  that  thou 
may  est  dwell  in  Jiim  and  Jic  in  thee. 
These  blessings  we  ask  in  thy  Name,  most 
merciful  Saviour,  to  whom  with  the 
Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all  honor 
and  glory,  world  without  end.      Amen. 

For  Angelic  Ministrations. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who 
succourest  those  that  labour  under  perils 
and  afflictions,  we  humbl)'  beseech  thy 
Majesty,  that  it  may  please  thee  to  send 
thy  holy  angel  to  uphold  with  th)'  com- 
fort thy  servant  who  is  suffering  distress 
and  affliction ;  that  he  may  both  receive 
thy  present  aid,  and  attain  eternal  heal- 
ing; through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

For  Recovery  of  Health. 

Regard,  O  Lord,  thy  sick  servant  with 
thy  favour  and  compassion.  If  it  be  th}' 
holy  will  speedily  restore  ///;//  to  health, 
that  he  may  praise  thee  for  thy  goodness 
and  devote  himself  to  thy  service  with 
renewed  zeal,  anei  make  his  life  more 
fruitful  in  all  good  works  to  the  glory  of 
thy  great  Name ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.      Amen. 


THE   RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH.  71 

For  the  Despondent. 

Merciful  Father,  we  pray  thee  to  de- 
hver  thy  sick  servant  from  all  impatience, 
and  repining  at  thy  chastisements,  from 
dejection  of  spirit,  and  distrust  of  thy 
mercies,  from  the  fear  of  death,  and  from 
such  extremity  of  sickness,  anguish,  or 
agony,  as  may  in  any  way  withdraw  his 
mind  from  thee ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.      Amen. 

For  one  in    Great   Pain. 

O  gracious  Father,  whose  dear  Son 
bore  for  us  unspeakable  agonies,  being 
scourged,  and  crowned  with  thorns,  and 
nailed  to  the  cross ;  Have  mercy  on  thy 
servant  who  is  now  in  great  suffering,  and 
grant  him  grace  to  fix  his  eyes  upon  the 
cross,  and  to  find  strength  there  to  copy 
the  example  of  him  who,  "for  the  joy 
that  was  set  before  him,  endured  the 
cross  ; ' '  that  following  Jiis  divine  Master 
through  suffering,  Jie  may  follow  him  to 
his  eternal  glory ;  through  the  same  thy 
Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

In  Prolonged  Illness. 

O  God,  who  dost  mercifully  accept  the 
offering  of  our  weakness ;  Give  thy  ser- 
vant grace  to  abide  in  communion  with 
thee,  that  the  lengthened  season  of  sick- 
ness which  hinders  his  work  in  the  world 
may  train  Jiini  for  the  contemplation  of 
thy  glory  in  the  life  of  the  blessed ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour.     Amen. 

Before  a   Surgical   Operation. 

Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  that 
this  thy  servant  may  have  bodily  strength 
so  as  not  to  sink  under  the  pain  which 
thou  hast  appointed  for  him  to  undergo, 
and  also  grace  to  receive  that  blessing 
which  thou   intendest  by  this  pain  to  be- 


72  THK    RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH. 

Stow  upon  Jiini ;  through  Jesus  Christ, 
who  suffered  for  us  upon  the  cross,  who 
now  liveth  and  reigneth  with  thee  and  the 
Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

For  one  about  to  make  a  Will. 

O  Lord,  who  puttest  into  our  hearts 
good  desires,  and  hast  inclined  thy  servant 
to  set  his  house  in  order ;  grant  that  lie 
may  do  it  with  wisdom  and  piet)'  ac- 
cording to  the  precepts  of  our  holy  re- 
ligion and  the  dictates  of  right  reason, 
that  so  being  freed  from  all  earthly  cares 
and  anxieties  he  may  be  the  better  able 
before  he  go  hence  to  set  in  order  the 
inward  house  of  Jiis  soul ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

Fo7'  a   Sick  Person  about  to   Communicate. 

O  Holy  Lord,  Father  Almighty,  ever- 
lasting God,  we  entreat  thee  in  faith  that 
our  brotJier,  receiving  the  most  hoi}'  Bod\' 
and  Blood  of  thy  Son  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  may  enjoy  health  both  in  bod)- 
and  soul ;  through  the  same  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.      Amen, 

Where  there  is  no  hope  of  Recover)'. 

Almighty  God,  we  beseech  thee  to  look 
with  compassion  upon  this  thy  sick  ser- 
vant, and  let  thy  good  Spirit  work  in  ////// 
whatsoever  thou  .seest  wanting,  to  prepare 
///;;/  for  the  time  of  his  dissolution.  Give 
him  sincere  and  earnest  repentance. 
Separate  his  heart  from  the  world,  and 
all  its  fading  vanities ;  and  may  he  long 
after  those  more  excellent  and  durable 
joys  which  are  at  thy  right  hand  for  ever. 
Lord,  lift  thou  up  the  light  of  th}'  counte- 
nance upon  him,  and  in  all  the  pains  of 
his  body,  and  all  the  agonies  of  his  spirit, 
let  thy  comforts  refresh  his  soul,  and 
enable     hi)n     patiently     to     wait     till     his 


THE   RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH.  73 

change  come.  Grant,  O  Lord,  that  when 
Jiis  earthly  house  of  this  tafeernacle  is  dis- 
solved, Jic  may  have  a  building  of  God,  a 
house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the 
heavens;  through  thy  dear  Son,  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

Gloria    CJiristi. 

[Originally  draughted  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Mtihlenberg: 
enlarged  and  re-arranged  bvthe  late  Bishop  of  Western 
New  York,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Arthur  C.  Coxe,  D.D.,  LL.D.] 

Let  us  adore  the  Promised  Seed,  who 
hath  bruised  the  Serpent's  head. 

He  is  the  Shepherd,  the  Stone  of  Israel: 

The  Lion  of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  who 
hath  prevailed : 

The  Alpha  and  Omega :  the  First  and 
the  Last : 

The  Author  and  Finisher  of  our  Faith, 
the  Shepherd  and  Bishop  of  our  souls : 

The  Priest  of  the  Most  High  God,  the 
true  Melchizedek : 

The  Mediator  of  the  New  Covenant, 
the  true  Moses : 

The  Captain  of  our  Salvation,  the  true 
Joshua : 

The  Faithful  and  True  Witness,  the 
Amen. 

The  Rose  of  Sharon  and  the  Lily  of  the 
Valley: 

The  Crown  of  Glory,  the  Diadem  of 
Beauty  unto  his  people. 

The  Angel  of  Great  Counsel,  the  Angel 
of  the  Covenant,  the  Ancient  of  Days: 

The  Desire  of  all  nations,  the  Glory  of 
his  people  Israel : 

The  Root  and  the  Offspring  of  David : 
the  Son  of  Mary,  the  Bright  and  the 
Morning  Star : 

God  manifest  in  the  flesh  :  the  fulness 
of  the  Godhead : 

The  Brightness  of  his  Father's  Glory: 
the  express  Image  of  the  P"ather: 

The  Da}'spring  from  on  High:  the  Sun 
of  Righteousness  risen  with  healing  in  his 
wines : 


74  THE    RITES   OF   THE   CHTKCH. 

The  Onl\--Bcf]^ottcn  of  the  Father,  full 
of  Grace  and  truth. 

The  Wonderful,  the  Counsellor,  the 
Mighty  God,  the  Exerlasting  Father,  the 
Prince  of  Peace : 

The  Lamb  slain  from  the  foundation  of 
the  world,  the  Propitiation  for  our  sins: 

The  only  Name  under  Heaven,  given 
among  men,  whereb}'  we  must  be  saved. 

The  Mediator  between  God  and  man. 
The  Messiah  : 

Our  Prophet,  Priest  and  King :  the 
Lord,  our  Righteousness: 

He  that  hath  the  ke\-s  of  Death  and  of 
Hell :    the  Judge  of  Quick  and  Dead  : 

And  he  shall  reign  forexer  and  ever : 
b}-  his  name,  J  AH. 

King  of  Kings,  and  Lord  of  Lords: 
God  over  all  blessed  forevermore. 

JESUS  CHRIST,  the  same,  }-esterday, 
to-da}-  and    forever.    Hallelujah.      Amen. 


Prayers  for  the  Dying. 

Almight}'  God,  the  help  of  all  who 
trust  in  thee ;  We  make  our  supplication 
in  behalf  of  thy  sick  servant  approaching 
the  close  of  liis  mortal  life.  May  it  please 
thee  to  give  th}'  hol\'  angels  charge  over 
him,  to  assist  Jiijn  in  his  last  conflict,  and 
to  conduct  his  soul  into  the  blessed  society 
of  th)'  saints  in  paradise,  there  to  rest  in 
jo\'  and  peace,  till  thou  shalt  vouchsafe  to 
his  body  a  part  in  the  blessed  resurrection 
of  the  just ;  through  him  who  died  and 
rose  again,  th\-  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

Unto  thee,  O  Lord,  we  commend  the 
soul  of  this  thy  servant,  that  dying  to  the 
world,  lie  ma\'  live  to  thee;  and  whatever 
sins  he  has  committed  through  the  frailty 


THE   RITES  OF   THE   CHI'RCH.  75 

of  earthly  life,  do  thou  clear  away  by  thy 
most  loving  and  merciful  forgiveness ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

O  Lord  God,  receive  the  soul  of  this 
thy  servant,  and  enter  not  into  judgment 
with  him.  Spare  him  whom  thou  hast 
redeemed  with  thy  most  precious  blood. 
Count  not  against  him  the  errors  of  Ids 
youth,  nor  the  sins  and  shortcomings  of 
his  after  years,  but  strengthen  him  in  his 
agony.  Let  not  his  faith  waver,  Jiis  hope 
fail,  nor  Jiis  love  grow  cold.  Let  the 
enemy  have  no  advantage  over  him,  but 
let  him  die  in  peace,  rest  in  hope,  rise  in 
glory,  and  dwell  in  thy  presence  forever; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

For  a  Dying  Child. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  didst  take 
little  children  in  thine  arms  and  bless 
them;  Bless,  we  beseech  thee,  this  child; 
take  hijn  into  the  arms  of  thine  everlasting 
mercy,  keep  him  from  all  evil,  and  bring 
him  into  the  company  of  those  who  ever 
behold  the  face  of  thy  Father  which  is  in 
lieaven ;  to  whom  with  thee  and  tlie 
blessed  Spirit  be  all  the  praise  for  ever- 
more.     Amen. 


The  Order  for  the  Burial 
OF  THE  Dead. 

'\\  Here  is  to  he  noted,  that  the  Office  ensuing  is  not  to 
be  used  for  any  unbaptized  adults,  any  ivho  die 
excommunicate,  or  who  have  laid  violent  hands  upon 
thevisehies. 

•y  The  Minister,  meeting  the  Corpse  at  the  entrance 
of  the  Churchyard,  and  going  before  it,  either  into 
the  Church  or  towards  the  Grave,  shall  say  or  sing, 

I  am  the  resurrection  and  the  life,  saith 
the    Lord:      he     that    believeth     in     me, 


76  THE   RITES   OF    THE    CHURCH. 

though  he  were  dead,  yet  shall  he  live: 
and  whosoever  liveth  and  believeth  in  me, 
shall  never  die.      ^7.  John  xi.  25,  26. 

I  know  that  my  redeemer  liveth,  and 
that  he  shall  stand  at  the  latter  day  upon 
the  earth :  and  though  after  my  skin 
worms  destroy  this  body,  yet  in  my  flesh, 
shall  I  see  God :  whom  I  shall  see  for 
myself,  and  mine  eyes  shall  behold,  and 
not  another.      Job  xix.  25,  26,  27. 

We  brought  nothing  into  this  world, 
and  it  is  certain  we  can  carry  nothing  out. 
The  Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  hath  taken 
away;  blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord. 
I   Tim.  vi.  7.      Job  i.  2  i . 

^  After  tliey  are  come  into  the  C/mrc/i,  shall  be  said  or 
sung  one  or  both  of  the  following  Selections,  taken 
from  the  j,gth  and  goth  Psalms. 

Lord,  let  me  know  mine  end,  and  the 
number  of  my  days  :  that  I  may  be  certi- 
fied how  long  I  have  to  live. 

Behold,  thou  hast  made  my  days  as  it 
were  a  span  long  :  and  mine  age  is  even 
as  nothing  in  respect  of  thee ;  and  verily 
every  man  living  is  altogether  vanity. 

For  a  man  walkcth  in  a  vain  shadow, 
and  disquieteth  himself  in  vain  :  he  heap- 
eth  up  riches,  and  cannot  tell  who  shall 
gather  them. 

And  now,  Lord,  what  is  my  hope  : 
truly  my  hope  is  even  in  thee. 

Deliver  me  from  all  mine  offences  : 
and  make  me  not  a  rebuke  unto  the 
foolish. 

When  thou  with  rebukes  dost  chasten 
man  for  sin,  thou  makest  his  beaut)'  to 
consume  away,  like  as  it  were  a  moth 
fretting  a  garment  :  every  man  therefore 
is  but  vanity. 

Hear  my  prajcr,  O  Lord,  and  with 
thine  ears  consider  n\y  calling  :  hold  not 
thy  peace  at  my  tears ; 

For  I  am  a  stranger  with  thee,  and  a 
sojourner  :  as  all  my  fathers  were. 


THE   RITES   OF   THE    CHURCH.  77 

O  Spare  me  a  little,  that  I  may  recover 
my  strength  :  before  I  go  hence,  and  be 
no  more  seen. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and  to  the 
Son  :  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost ; 

As  it  was  in  the  beginning,  is  now,  and 
ever  shall  be  :  world  without  end.     Amen. 

Lord,  thou  hast  been  our  refuge  :  from 
one  generation  to  another. 

Before  the  mountains  were  brought 
forth,  or  ever  the  earth  and  the  world 
were  made  :  thou  art  God  from  everlast- 
ing, and  world  without  end. 

Thou  turnest  man  to  destruction  : 
again  thou  sayest,  Come  again,  ye  chil- 
dren of  men. 

For  a  thousand  years  in  thy  sight  are 
but  as  yesterday  :  seeing  that  is  past  as  a 
watch  in  the  night. 

As  soon  as  thou  scatterest  them  they  are 
even  as  a  sleep  :  and  fade  away  suddenly 
like  the  grass. 

In  the  morning  it  is  green,  and  groweth 
up  :  but  in  the  evening  it  is  cut  down, 
dried  up,  and  withered. 

For  we  consume  away  in  thy  dis- 
pleasure :  and  are  afraid  at  thy  wrathful 
indignation. 

Thou  hast  set  our  misdeeds  before 
thee  :  and  our  secret  sins  in  the  light  of 
thy  countenance. 

For  when  thou  art  angry  all  our  days 
are  gone  :  we  bring  our  years  to  an  end, 
as  it  were  a  tale  that  is  told. 

The  days  of  our  age  are  threescore 
years  and  ten ;  and  though  men  be  so 
strong  that  they  come  to  fourscore  years  : 
yet  is  their  strength  then  but  labour  and 
sorrow;  so  soon  passeth  it  away,  and  we 
are  gone. 

O  teach  us  to  number  our  days  :  that 
we  may  apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and  to  the 
Son   :  and  to  the  Holy  Ghost ; 

As  it  was  in  the  beginning,  is  now,  and 
ever  shall  be  :  world  without  end.     Amen. 


78  TUK    RITES   OF   THE    CiriRCH. 

•y  Then  shall  follow  the  Lesson,  taken  out  of  the 
fifteenth  Chapter  of  the  first  Epistle  of  St.  Paul 
to  the  Corinthians. 

I   Cor.  XV.  20. 

Now  is  Christ  risen  from  the  dead,  and 
become  the  firstfruits  of  them  that  slept. 
For  since  by  man  came  death,  by  man 
came  also  the  resurrection  of  the  dead. 
For  as  in  Adam  all  die,  even  so  in  Christ 
shall  all  be  made  alive.  But  every  man 
in  his  own  order:  Christ  the  firstfruits; 
afterward  they  that  are  Christ's  at  his 
coming.  Then  cometh  the  end,  when  he 
shall  have  delivered  up  the  kingdom  to 
God,  even  the  Father;  when  he  shall 
have  put  down  all  rule  and  all  authority 
and  power.  For  he  must  reign,  till  he 
hath  put  all  enemies  under  his  feet.  The 
last  enemy  that  shall  be  destroyed  is 
death.  For  he  hath  put  all  things  under 
his  feet.  But  when  he  saith  all  things  are 
put  under  him,  it  is  manifest  that  he  is 
excepted,  which  did  put  all  things  under 
him.  And  when  all  things  shall  be  sub- 
dued unto  him,  then  shall  the  Son  also 
himself  be  subject  unto  him  that  put  all 
things  under  him,  that  God  may  be  all  in 
all.  Flse  what  shall  they  do  which  are 
baptized  for  the  dead,  if  the  dead  rise  not 
at  all?  why  are  they  then  baptized  for  the 
dead?  and  why  stand  we  in  jeopard)' 
every  hour?  I  protest  by  your  rejoicing 
which  I  have  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord,  I 
die  daily.  If  after  the  manner  of  men  I 
have  fought  with  beasts  at  Fphesus,  what 
advantageth  it  me,  if  the  dead  rise  not? 
let  us  eat  and  drink ;  for  tomorrow  we 
die.  Be  not  decei\ed :  evil  communi- 
cations corrupt  good  manners.  Awake 
to  righteousness,  and  sin  not;  for  some 
have  not  the  knowledge  of  God  :  I  speak 
this  to  \'Our  shame.  But  some  man  will 
say,  I  low  are  the  dead  raised  up?  and 
with  what  bod\'  do  tiicy  come?  Thou 
fool,  that  which  thou  sowest  is  not  quick- 
ened, except  it  die:    and  that  which  thou 


THE   RITES   OF   THE    CHURCH.  79 

sowest,  thou  sowest  not  that  body  that  shall 
be,  but  bare  grain,  it  may  chance  of  wheat, 
or  of  some  other  grain  :  but  God  giveth  it 
a  body  as  it  hath  pleased  him,  and  to 
every  seed  his  own  body.  All  flesh  is  not 
the  same  flesh  :  but  there  is  one  kind  of 
flesh  of  men,  another  flesh  of  beasts,  an- 
other of  fishes,  and  another  of  birds. 
There  are  also  celestial  bodies,  and  bodies 
terrestrial :  but  the  glory  of  the  celestial  is 
one,  and  the  glory  of  the  terrestrial  is  an- 
other. There  is  one  glory  of  the  sun, 
and  another  glory  of  the  moon,  and  an- 
other glory  of  the  stars :  for  one  star 
differeth  from  another  star  in  glory.  So 
also  is  the  resurrection  of  the  dead.  It  is 
sown  in  corruption ;  it  is  raised  in  incor- 
ruption :  it  is  sown  in  dishonour ;  it  is 
raised  in  glory :  it  is  sown  in  weakness ; 
it  is  raised  in  power :  it  is  sown  a  natural 
body;  it  is  raised  a  spiritual  body.  There 
is  a  natural  body,  and  there  is  a  spiritual 
body.  And  so  it  is  written,  The  first  man 
Adam  was  made  a  living  soul ;  the  last 
Adam  was  made  a  quickening  spirit. 
Howbeit  that  was  not  first  which  is  spirit- 
ual, but  that  which  is  natural;  and  after- 
ward that  which  is  spiritual.  The  first 
man  is  of  the  earth,  earthy:  the  second 
man  is  the  Lord  from  heaven.  As  is  the 
earthy,  such  are  they  also  that  are  earthy: 
and  as  is  the  heavenly,  such  are  they  also 
that  are  heavenly.  And  as  we  have 
borne  the  image  of  the  earthy,  we  shall 
also  bear  the  image  of  the  heavenly. 
Now  this  I  say,  brethren,  that  flesh  and 
blood  cannot  inherit  the  kingdom  of  God ; 
neither  doth  corruption  inherit  incor- 
ruption.  Behold,  I  shew  you  a  mystery; 
We  shall  not  all  sleep,  but  we  shall  all  be 
changed,  in  a  moment,  in  the  twinkling 
of  an  eye,  at  the  last  trump:  for  the 
trumpet  shall  sound,  and  the  dead  shall 
be  raised  incorruptible,  and  we  shall  be 
changed.  For  this  corruptible  must  put 
on  incorruption,  and  this  mortal  must  put 


80  THE   RITES  OF   THE   CHLKCH. 

on  immortality.  So  when  this  corruptible 
shall  have  put  on  incorruption,  and  this 
mortal  shall  have  put  on  immortality,  then 
shall  be  brought  to  pass  the  saying  that  is 
written,  Death  is  swallowed  up  in  victory. 

0  death,  where  is  thy  sting?  O  grave, 
where  is  thy  victory?  The  sting  of  death 
is  sin;  and  the  strength  of  sin  is  the  law. 
But  thanks  be  to  God,  which  giveth  us 
the  victory  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
Therefore,  my  beloved  brethren,  be  ye 
stedfast,  unmovable,  always  abounding  in 
the  work  of  the  Lord,  forasmuch  as  ye 
know  that  your  labour  is  not  in  vain  in  the 
Lord. 

T[  Here  may  be  st/iiif  a  Ilynni  or  an  Autltcnt  ;  and,  at  the 
discretion  of  the  Minister,  the  Creed,  atid  such 
fitting  Prayers  as  are  elsewhere  provided  in  this 
Book,  may  be  added. 

1  When  they  come  to  the  Grove,  ivhile  the  Corpse 
is  made  ready  to  be  laid  into  the  earth,  shall  be  sung 
or  said, 

Man,  that  is  born  of  a  woman,  hath  but 
a  short  time  to  live,  and  is  full  of  misery. 
He  cometh  up,  and  is  cut  down,  like  a 
flower;  he  llceth  as  it  were  a  shadow,  and 
never  continueth  in  one  stay. 

In  the  midst  of  life  we  are  in  death  ;  of 
whom  may  we  seek  for  succour,  but  of 
thee,  O  Lord,  who  for  our  sins  art  justly 
displeased? 

Yet,  O  Lord  God  most  holy,  O  Lord 
most  might}',  O  hol>'  and  most  merciful 
Saviour,  deliver  us  not  into  the  bitter 
pains  of  eternal  death. 

Thou  knowest.  Lord,  the  secrets  of  our 
hearts ;  shut  not  thy  merciful  ears  to  our 
prayer;  but  spare  us.  Lord  most  holy,  O 
God  most  might}',  O  hoh'  and  merciful 
Saviour,  thou  most  worth}'  Judge  eternal, 
suffer  us  not,  at  our  last  hour,  for  an}- 
pkins  of  death,  to  fall  from  thee. 

■f    /'//(•;/,  -while  the  earth  shall  be  cast  upon  the  Body  by 
some  standing  by,  the  Minister  shall  say. 

Forasmuch  as  it  hath  pleased  Almighty 
God,  in   his  wise  providence,   to  take  out 


THE   RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH.  81 

of  this  world  the  soul  of  our  deceased 
brother,  we  therefore  commit  his  body  to 
the  ground;  earth  to  earth,  ashes  to 
ashes,  dust  to  dust;  looking  for  the  gen- 
eral Resurrection  in  the  last  day,  and  the 
life  of  the  world  to  come,  through  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ;  at  whose  second  com- 
ing in  glorious  majesty  to  judge  the  world, 
the  earth  and  the  sea  shall  give  up  their 
dead  ;  and  the  corruptible  bodies  of  those 
who  sleep  in  him  shall  be  changed,  and 
made  like  unto  his  own  glorious  body ; 
according  to  the  mighty  working  whereby 
he  is  able  to  subdue  all  things  unto 
himself. 

■[  T/u'ii  shall  be  said  or  siim:^, 

I  heard  a  voice  from  heaven,  saying 
unto  me.  Write,  P>om  henceforth  blessed 
are  the  dead  who  die  in  the  Lord :  even 
so  saith  the  Spirit ;  for  they  rest  from 
their  labours.      Rev.  xiv.   13. 

*\  TJwn   the  Minister  shall  say, 

Lord,  have  mercy  upon  us. 
Christ,  have  mercy  upon  tis. 
Lord,  have  mercy  upon  us. 

Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven.  Hal- 
lowed be  thy  Name.  Thy  kingdom 
come.  Thy  will  be  done  on  earth,  As 
it  is  in  heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our 
daily  bread.  And  forgive  us  our  tres- 
passes, As  we  forgive  those  who  trespass 
against  us.  And  lead  us  not  into  tempt- 
ation;   But  deliver  us  from  evil.      Amen. 

•[    Then  the  Minister  shall  say  one  or  IhUh   of  the  fol- 
lowing Prayers,  at  his  discretion . 

Almighty  God,  with  whom  do  live  the 
spirits  of  those  who  depart  hence  in  the 
Lord,  and  with  whom  the  souls  of  the 
faithful,  after  they  are  delivered  from  the 
burden  of  the  flesh,  are  in  joy  and  felicity; 
We  give  thee  hearty  thanks  for  the  good 
examples  of  all  those  thy  servants,  who, 
having  finished  their  course  in  faith,  do 
now  rest  from  their  labours.      And  we  be- 


82  THE   RITES  OK   THE   CHIRCH. 

seech  thee,  that  we,  with  all  those  who 
are  departed  in  the  true  faith  of  thy  holy 
Name,  may  have  our  perfect  consum- 
mation and  bliss,  both  in  body  and  soul, 
in  thy  eternal  and  everlasting  glory ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Avien. 

O  merciful  God,  the  F"ather  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  who  is  the  Resurrection  and 
the  Life;  in  whom  whosoever  believeth, 
shall  live,  though  he  die;  and  whosoever 
liveth,  and  believeth  in  him,  shall  not  die 
eternally;  who  also  hath  taught  us,  by  his 
hoi)'  Apostle  Saint  Paul,  not  to  be  sorry, 
as  men  without  hope,  for  those  who  sleep 
in  him;  We  humbly  beseech  thee,  O 
Father,  to  raise  us  from  the  death  of  sin 
unto  the  life  of  righteousness;  that,  when 
we  shall  depart  this  life,  we  ma)-  rest  in 
him  ;  and  that,  at  the  general  Resurrection 
in  the  last  day,  we  may  be  found  accept- 
able in  thy  sight ;  and  receive  that  bless- 
ing, which  thy  well-beloved  Son  shall  pro- 
nounce to  all  who  love  and  fear  thee,  say- 
ing. Come,  ye  blessed  children  of  my 
Father,  receive  the  kingdom  prepared  for 
you  from  the  beginning  of  the  world. 
Grant  this,  we  beseech  thee,  O  merciful 
Father,  through  Jesus  Christ,  our  Medi- 
ator and  Redeemer.      Atncii. 

The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and 
the  love  of  God,  and  the  fellowship  of  the 
IIol)'  Ghost,  be  with  us  all  evermore. 
A  uicii . 

Additioial  Prayers . 

Most  merciful  Father,  who  hast  been 
pleased  to  take  unto  th\self  the  soul  of 
this  th)-  servant  [or  this  child]  ;  Grant  to 
us  who  are  still  in  our  pilgrimage,  and 
who  walk  as  yet  by  faith,  that  having 
served  thee  with  constancy  on  earth,  we 
may  be  joined  hereafter  with  th\'  blessed 
saints  in  glory  everlasting;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 


THE   RITES  OF  THE   CHURCH.  83 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  by  thy  death 
didst  take  away  the  sting  of  deatli ;  Grant 
unto  us  thy  servants  so  to  follow  in  faith 
where  thou  hast  led  the  way,  that  we  may 
at  length  fall  asleep  peacefully  in  thee, 
and  awake  up  after  thy  likeness ;  through 
thy  mercy,  who  livest  with  the  Father  and 
the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  without 
end.      Amen. 

Almighty  and  everliving  God,  we  yield 
unto  thee  most  high  praise  and  hearty 
thanks,  for  the  wonderful  grace  and  virtue 
declared  in  all  thy  saints,  who  have  been 
the  choice  vessels  of  thy  grace,  and  the 
lights  of  the  world  in  their  several  gener- 
ations;  most  humbly  beseeching  thee  to 
give  us  grace  so  to  follow  the  example  of 
their  stedfastness  in  thy  faith,  and  obedi- 
ence to  thy  holy  commandments,  that  at 
the  day  of  the  general  Resurrection,  we, 
with  all  those  who  are  of  the  mystical 
body  of  thy  Son,  may  be  set  on  his  right 
hand,  and  hear  that  his  most  joyful  voice: 
Come,  ye  blessed  of  my  Father,  inherit 
the  kingdom  prepared  for  you  from  the 
foundation  of  the  world.  Grant  this,  O 
Father,  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake,  our  only 
Mediator  and  Advocate.      Amen. 

^  Itiasnntch  as  it  may  sometimes  he  expedient  to  say 
tinder  shelter  of  the  Church  the  ivhole  or  a  part 
of  the  service  appointed  to  be  said  at  the  Gra-'e, 
the  same  is  hereby  allozved  for  weighty  cause. 

At  the  Burial  of  the  Dead  at  Sea. 

^   The    same  office    may  be  used ;    but  in  the   Sentence 
of  Committal,  the  A/ijiister  shall  say. 

We  therefore  commit  his  body  to  the 
deep,  looking  for  the  general  Resurrection 
in  the  last  day,  and  the  life  of  the  world 
to  come,  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ; 
at  whose  second  coming  in  glorious 
majesty  to  judge  the  world,  the  sea  shall 
give  up  her  dead ;  and  the  corruptible 
bodies  of  those  who  sleep  in  him  shall  be 
changed,  and  made  like  unto  his  glorious 


84  THE    RITKS   OF    THE    CHl'RCH. 

body;  according  to  the  mighty  working 
whereby  he  is  able  to  subdue  all  things 
unto  himself. 


Service  in  a  Private  House  at  the 
Funeral  of  an  Adult. 

Scripture    Selections. 

Then  said  Martha  unto  Jesus,  Lord,  if 
thou  hadst  been  here,  my  brother  had  not 
died.  But  I  know,  tliat  even  now,  what- 
soever thou  wilt  ask  of  God,  God  will  give 
it  thee.  Jesus  saith  unto  her,  Thy  brother 
shall  rise  again.  Martha  saith  unto  him, 
I  know  that  he  shall  rise  again  in  the 
resurrection  at  the  last  day.  Jesus  said 
unto  her,  I  am  the  resurrection  and  the 
life:  he  that  believeth  in  me  though  he 
were  dead,  yet  shall  he  li\e  :  and  whoso- 
ever liveth  and  believeth  in  me  shall  never 
die.  Believest  thou  this?  She  saith  unto 
him,  Yea,  Lord:  I  believe  that  thou  art 
the  Christ,  the  Son  of  God,  which  should 
come  into  the  world. 

I  would  not  have  }'ou  to  be  ignorant, 
brethren,  concerning  them  which  are 
asleep,  that  ye  sorrow  not,  even  as  others 
wliich  ha\'e  no  hope.  P"or  if  we  believe 
that  Jesus  died  and  rose  again,  even  so 
them  also  which  sleep  in  Jesus  will  God 
bring  with  him.  For  this  we  sa)'  unto 
)'ou  b\'  the  word  of  the  Lord,  that  we 
which  are  ali\'e  and  remain  unto  the  com- 
ing of  the  Lord  shall  not  prevent  them 
which  are  asleep.  For  the  Lord  himself 
shall  descend  from  heaven  with  a  shout, 
with  the  \'oice  of  the  archangel,  and  with 
tin-  tniinp  of  God:  anel  the  dead  in  Christ 
shall  rise  lirst:  Then  we  which  are  alive 
a)id  remain   shall   be  caught   up   together 


THE    RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH.  85 

with  them  in  the  clouds,  to  meet  the  Lord 
in  the  eiir :  and  so  shall  we  ever  be  with 
the  Lord.  Wherefore  comfort  one  an- 
other with  these  words. 

And  he  showed  me  a  pure  river  of 
water  of  life,  clear  as  crystal,  proceeding 
out  of  the  throne  of  God  and  of  the  Lamb. 
In  the  midst  of  the  street  of  it,  and  on 
either  side  of  the  river,  was  there  the  tree 
of  life,  which  bare  twelve  manner  t;/ fruits, 
and  yielded  her  fruit  every  month :  and 
the  leaves  of  the  tree  were  for  the  healing 
of  the  nations.  And  there  shall  be  no 
more  curse :  but  the  throne  of  God  and  of 
the  Lamb  shall  be  in  it;  and  his  servants 
shall  serve  him  :  And  they  shall  see  his 
face :  and  his  Name  sJiall  be  in  their  fore- 
heads. And  there  shall  be  no  night 
there;  and  they  need  no  candle,  neither 
light  of  the  sun ;  for  the  Lord  God  giveth 
them  light:  and  they  shall  reign  for  ever 
and  ever. 

The  souls  of  the  righteous  are  in  the 
hand  of  God,  and  there  shall  no  torment 
touch  them.  In  the  sight  of  the  unwise 
they  seemed  to  die ;  and  their  departure  is 
taken  for  misery,  and  their  going  from  us 
to  be  utter  destruction :  but  they  are  in 
peace.  For  though  they  be  punished  in  the 
sight  of  men,  yet  is  their  hope  full  of  immor- 
tality. And  having  been  a  little  chastised, 
they  shall  be  greatly  rewarded  ;  for  God 
proved  them,  and  found  them  worthy  for 
himself.  As  gold  in  the  furnace  hath  he 
tried  them,  and  received  them  as  a  burnt- 
offering. 

Tlie  righteous  live  for  evermore ;  and 
their  reward  also  is  with  the  Lord,  and 
the  care  of  them  is  with  the  most  High  : 
Therefore  shall  they  receive  a  glorious 
kingdom,  and  a  beautiful  crown  from  the 
Lord's  hand:  for  with  his  right  hand  shall 
he  cover  them,  and  with  his  arm  shall  he 
protect  them. 


86  THF,    RITES   OF   THE    CHl'RCH. 

For  the  Afflicted. 

O  merciful  and  loving'  F"ather,  who 
doest  all  things  well,  and  of  very  faith- 
fulness dost  cause  thy  children  to  be 
troubled  ;  We  acknowledge  thine  infinite 
wisdom  and  all-wise  providence  in  visiting 
these  thy  servants  with  thy  heavy  hand, 
and  laying  upon  them  this  cross.  Make 
them  to  bow  submissively  to  thy  holy  will, 
and  give  them  a  calm  and  lowly  resig- 
nation. Make  the  house  of  mourning  to 
be  better  to  them  than  a  house  of  feasting. 
Soften  permanently  by  thy  grace  the 
hearts  that  now  bleed,  and  draw  them 
steadily  and  strongly  to  thee.  Comfort 
them  with  the  hope  of  heavenl}'  things, 
and  make  all  earthly  desires  to  wither  and 
vanish  away  from  their  hearts,  that  they 
may  put  their  whole  trust  and  happiness 
in  thee  onl}' ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.      Amen. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  we  beseech  thee 
to  comfort  these  thy  servants  in  their 
present  sorrow ;  and  as  thou  didst  send 
the  Holy  Ghost  to  be  the  Comforter  of 
thy  people,  strengthen  them  by  the  mani- 
festation of  his  gracious  indwelling,  that 
they  ma)-  be  enabled  to  contemplate  the 
joy  of  that  better  home  where  thou  art 
ever  seen  and  worshipped  as  the  light  and 
satisfaction  of  thine  elect,  who  dwellest 
with  the  Father  in  the  unity  of  the  same 
Spirit,  one  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

O  Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who 
art  the  comfort  of  the  sorrowful  and  the 
support  of  those  that  are  burdened  ;  Look 
in  mercy,  we  pray  thee,  on  all  mourners 
and  sufferers  in  this  world  of  sorrow,  that 
finding  thy  merc\-  present  with  them  in 
their  necessities,  their  sorrow  ma\-  be 
turned  into  jo\-,  antl  their  earthly  tribu- 
lations be  made  to  tin  in  a  gate  of  entrance 
into  everlasting  life;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.      Amen. 


THE   RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH.  87 

O  merciful  God,  and  heavenly  Father, 
who  hast  taught  us  in  thy  holy  Word  that 
thou  dost  not  willingly  afflict  or  grieve  the 
children  of  men ;  Look  with  pity,  we  be- 
seech thee,  upon  the  sorrows  of  thy  ser- 
vant, for  whom  our  prayers  are  desired. 
In  th}'  wisdom  thou  hast  seen  fit  to  visit 
him  with  trouble,  and  to  bring  distress 
upon  him.  Remember  hijjt,  O  Lord,  in 
mercy ;  sanctif}'  thy  fatherly  correction  to 
him;  endue  his  soul  with  patience  under 
his  affliction,  and  with  resignation  to  thy 
blessed  will ;  comfort  ////;/  with  a  sense  of 
thy  goodness ;  lift  up  thy  countenance 
upon  hint,  and  give  him  peace;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

For  one  deprived  of  a  Husband  or  a  Wife. 

O  Lord,  gracious  and  merciful;  We  be- 
seech thee  to  sustain  and  comfort  thy 
servant  who  has  been  deprived  of  the 
companion  of  his  life.  Draw  graciously 
near  to  him  in  his  affliction,  and  help  him 
to  cast  his  burden  upon  thee.  Bless  this 
cup  of  sorrow  to  his  spiritual  good.  Bend 
his  will  to  thine  that  he  may  hear  thy 
voice  speaking  to  his  soul  in  consolation 
and  sympathy.  Follow  him  with  thy 
goodness  and  mercy  all  the  days  of  his 
life  and  at  last  admit  him  to  the  blessed 
companionship  of  thy  saints  in  glory  ever- 
lasting; through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

For  Children  bereaved  of  a  Parent  or 
Parents. 

Almighty  Father,  who  art  full  of  ten- 
derness and  compassion ;  We  pray  thee 
to  take  these  bereaved  children  under  thy 
gracious  protection.  Commit  them  to  the 
guidance  of  thy  good  Spirit,  that  they  may 
be  saved  from  all  things  hurtful  to  body 
and  soul.  Be  near  to  them  to  deliver 
them  in  temptation,  and  ever  in  them  to 
give  them  peace.      Be  more  to  them  than 


88  THE    RITKS   OF   THE    CHTRCH. 

any  earthly  parent  or  friend.  Be  thou 
their  everhisting  Defender  and  God.  Give 
them  abundant!)-  of  thy  grace  in  this  Hfc, 
and  finall}'  bring  them  to  the  perpetual 
joys  of  th)-  heavenlx'  kingdom ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

Tlic  Lessons  of  our  Mortality. 

Almight)'  God,  who  bringest  good  out 
of  evil,  and  light  out  of  darkness,  and 
dost  nourish  strength  in  the  souls  of  those 
who  patiently  endure  chastening  at  thy 
righteous  hand,  dispose  us  to  an  humble 
and  thankful  use  of  all  thy  dealings  with 
us,  even  of  those  which  are  darkest  to  our 
mortal  sight,  and  so  shall  we  glorify  thy 
holy  Name;  through  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  art  the 
Resurrection  and  the  Life ;  who  didst 
thyself  weep  over  the  dead,  and  art 
touched  with  the  feeling  of  all  our  griefs 
and  sorrows;  Be  with  us,  we  beseech 
thee,  at  this  time,  and  sanctif)'  to  us  the 
removal  of  one  from  the  midst  of  us. 
Impress  upon  us  the  lesson  of  our 
mortality  and  help  us  to  turn  to  thee  with 
all  our  hearts  in  true  repentance  and  livch' 
faith.  Let  no  repining  or  murmuring 
dishonor  our  Christian  profession.  (ji\e 
us  sure  confidence  in  thee  for  all  that  is  to 
come,  and  prepare  our  souls  to  meet  thee 
in  that  day  when  our  spirits  shall  return  to 
him  wlio  gave  tliem.  Hear  us  for  th)- 
great  mercies'  sake,  our  onh'  Saxiour  aiitl 
Redeemer.      Amen. 

Almight)-  God,  the  Father  of  Spirits; 
We  pray  thee  to  give  us  a  right  estimate 
of  our  temporal  surroundings.  Ma)-  wc 
not  j)ut  our  trust  in  them,  or  place  them 
before  the  claims  of  th)-  kingdom.  So 
separate  us  from  the  love  and  idolalr)  of 
woi-|(ll\  tilings,  that  we  ma)'  nexer  he 
surprised     !))'    the    c~oming    of    death,     but 


THE   RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH.  89 

with  a  glad  heart  may  welcome  the  hour 
when  thou  dost  call  us  awa}'.  These 
petitions  we  ask  in  the  Name  and  for  the 
sake  of  th\'  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


Service  in  a  Private  House  at  the 
Funeral  of  a  Child. 

Scripture  Selections. 

A  voice  was  heard  in  Ramah,  lamen- 
tation, «//(/ bitter  weeping ;  Rachel  weep- 
ing for  her  children,  refused  to  be  com- 
forted for  her  children,  because  they  were 
not. 

Thus  saith  the  Lord  ;  Refrain  thy  voice 
from  weeping,  and  thine  eyes  from  tears : 
for  thy  work  shall  be  rewarded,  saith  the 
Lord ;  and  they  shall  come  again  from 
the  land  of  the  enemy.  And  there  is 
hope  in  thine  end,  saith  the  Lord,  that 
thy  children  shall  come  again  to  their  own 
border. 

He  shall  feed  his  flock  like  a  shepherd: 
he  shall  gather  the  lambs  with  his  arm, 
and  carry  the^n  in  his  bosom. 

Like  as  a  father  pitieth  Ids  children,  so 
the  Lord  pitieth  them  that  fear  him, 

For  he  knoweth  our  frame ;  he  remem- 
bereth  that  we  are  dust. 

As  for  man,  his  days  are  as  gra.s£ :  as  a 
flower  of  the  field,  so  he  flourisheth. 

For  the  wind  passeth  over  it,  and  it  is 
gone ;  and  the  place  thereof  shall  know  it 
no  more. 

But  the  mercy  of  the  Lord  is  from  ever- 
lasting to  everlasting  upon  them  that  fear 
him,  and  his  righteousness  unto  children's 
children  : 

To  such  as  keep  his  covenant,  and  to 
those  that  remember  his  commandments 
to  do  them. 


90  THE   RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH. 

David  perceived  that  the  child  was 
dead:  therefore  David  said  unto  his  ser- 
vants, Is  the  child  dead?  and  they  said, 
He  is  dead.  Then  David  arose  from  the 
earth,  and  washed  and  annointed  himself, 
and  changed  his  apparel,  and  came  into 
the  house  of  the  Lord  and  worshipped  : 
then  he  came  to  his  own  house ;  and  when 
he  required,  they  set  bread  before  him,  and 
he  did  eat.  Then  said  his  servants  unto 
him,  What  thing  is  this  that  thou  hast 
done?  Thou  didst  fast  and  weep  for  the 
child,  ivhilc  it  ivas  alive;  but  when  the 
child  was  dead,  thou  didst  rise  and  eat 
bread.  And  he  said,  While  the  child  was 
yet  alive,  I  fasted  and  wept;  for  I  said. 
Who  can  tell  whether  God  will  be  gracious 
to  me,  that  the  child  ma}'  live?  But  now 
he  is  dead,  wherefore  should  I  fast?  can  I 
bring  him  back  again?  I  shall  go  to  him, 
but  he  shall  not  return  to  me. 

And  they  brought  )'oung  children  to 
him,  that  he  should  touch  them  :  and  /lis 
disciples  rebuked  those  that  hronght  them. 

But  when  Jesus  saw  it,  he  was  much 
displeased,  and  said  unto  them.  Suffer  the 
little  children  to  come  unto  me,  and  forbid 
them  not ;  for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of 
God. 

Verily  I  say  unto  you.  Whosoever  shall 
not  receive  the  kingdom  of  God  as  a  little 
child,  he  shall  not  enter  therein 

And  he  took  them  up  in  his  arms,  put 
his  hands  upon  them,   and  blessed  them. 

Take  heed  that  ye  despise  not  one  of 
these  little  ones;  for  I  say  unto  >ou.  That 
in  heaven  their  angels  do  always  behold 
the  face  of  m\'  Father  which  is  in  heaven. 

Veril}'  I  sa\'  unto  \'ou,  Except  ye  be 
converted,  and  become  as  little  children, 
ye  shall  not  enter  into  the  kingdom  of 
heaven. 

For  the  Sornnciiii;^. 

Father  of  Mercies  and  God  of  all  con- 
solation ;     We    beseech    thee    to    look    in 


THE   RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH.  91 

tenderness  upon  the  bereaved  [parent  or 
parents]  of  the  child,  whom  thou  hast 
taken  home.  May  there  be  no  bitterness 
in  their  sorrow,  and  no  questioning  of  thy 
love.  Help  tJiem  to  feel  that  thou  hast 
graciously  delivered  a  lamb  of  thy  fold 
from  the  sins  and  dangers  of  the  present 
world,  and  granted  him  perpetual  rest  and 
safety.  Sustain  them  by  the  encourage- 
ments of  thy  Word,  and  beyond  the 
clouds  of  affliction  may  they  see  the 
wisdom  of  thy  providence,  and  be  at 
peace;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

Holy  and  compassionate  Saviour,  who 
didst  take  little  children  into  thine  arms 
and  bless  them,  help  us  to  be  submissive 
to  thy  loving  will  when  thou  dost  take  our 
children  to  thyself,  and  grant  us  grace  so 
to  live  that  they  may  be  ours  again  in  thy 
heavenly  kingdom,  where  with  the  Father 
and  the  Holy  Spirit  we  shall  praise  thee, 
world  without  end.      Amen. 

Infinite  and  immortal  God ;  We  pray 
thee  to  teach  us  day  by  day  that  we  are 
but  strangers  and  pilgrims  upon  earth, 
and  have  here  no  abiding  city.  As  the 
ties  of  family  are  broken  one  by  one,  and 
kindred  and  friends  pass  from  sight,  give 
us  grace  that  we  may  place  our  affections 
more  and  more  upon  things  spiritual  and 
enduring;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


Prayers  for  the  Faithful  Departed. 

O  God,  who  art  the  Lord  of  mercy, 
grant  to  the  soul  of  thy  servant  [the  anni- 
versary of  whose  decease  we  celebrate]  a 
place  of  refreshment,  the  blessedness  of 
eternal  peace  and  the  brightness  of 
heavenly  light;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.      Amen 


92  THI-:    KITES   OF    THK    CHTRCH. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  didst  put 
death  under  thy  feet,  didst  destro)'  the 
power  of  the  devil,  and  gavcst  th\'  life  for 
the   world,  grant  rest  to  the  souls  of  th\' 

departed   servants   (especially ),    in 

the  place  of  light  and  refreshment,  whence 
pain,  sorrow  and  sighing  are  driven  away; 
and  in  th\-  goodness  and  mercy  pardon 
every  sin  committed  by  them  in  thought, 
word,  and  deed;  thou  who  art  the  resur- 
rection and  the  life,  and  who  livest  and 
reignest  for  ever  and  ever.      Amen. 

O  God,  whose  propert}-  is  ever  to  have 
mercy  and  to  spare  ;  We  suppliants  intreat 
thee  for  thy  servant  whom  to-day  thou 
hast  called  to  depart  from  this  world, 
tliat  thou  wouldcst  not  deliver  hiui  into 
the  hand  of  the  enemy,  but  commend  ///;;/ 
to  be  received  by  holy  angels,  and  led 
into  the  land  of  the  living.  Whereas  he 
hath  hoped  and  believed  in  thee,  may  he 
be  found  worth}'  to  rejoice  in  the  societ)' 
of  thy  saints;  through  Jesus  Christ  thy 
Son  our  Lord.      Amen. 

O  Lord  Christ,  who  hast  promised  to 
come  again  in  like  manner  as  thou  didst 
go  into  heaven ;  We  pray  thee  to  hasten 
the  time  of  thine  Advent,  that  sin  and 
death  ma>'  be  overcome,  and  that  we, 
with  all  thy  faithful  departed,  may  be 
perfected  in  blessedness  in  that  da\-  when 
thou  makest  up  th)'  jewels;  through  th\- 
mercy,  O  our  God  who  art  blessed,  and 
livest  and  reignest  for  ever  and  ever. 
Amen. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  God  of  our 
fathers;  We  bless  thy  holy  Name,  tin- 
grace  and  mercy,  for  all  those  who  ha\e 
gone  before  us  to  rest  in  thee:  pious 
fathers,  devout  mothers,  zealous  priests, 
chaste  virgins,  harmless  infants,  all  in  all 
vocations  who  have  pleased  thee.  And 
we  pra}'  thee,  gi\e  us  also  grace  to  walk 
before   thee  as  the\    walked   in    riirhteous- 


THE    RITES   OF   THE   CHURCH.  93 

ness  and  self-denial :  that  having  laboured 
as  they  laboured,  we  may  afterward  rest 
as  they  rest.  Grant  this  for  thy  mercies' 
sake  O  Saviour,  who  with  the  Father  and 
the  Holy  Ghost  art  one  God,  world  with- 
out end.      Amen. 

O  God,  the  God  of  the  spirits  of  all 
flesh,  in  whose  embrace  all  creatures  live, 
in  whatsoever  world  or  condition  they  be ; 
We  beseech  thee  for  those  whose  names 
and  dwelling-places  and  every  need  thou 
knowest.  Lord,  vouchsafe  them  light  and 
rest,  peace  and  refreshment,  joy  and  con- 
solation in  Paradise,  in  the  companionship 
of  saints,  in  the  presence  of  Christ,  and  in 
the  ample  folds  of  thy  great  love.  Grant 
that  their  lives  (so  troubled  here)  may 
unfold  in  thy  sight,  and  find  sweet  employ- 
ment in  the  spacious  fields  of  eternity.  If 
the}'  have  ever  been  hurt  or  maimed  by 
any  unhappy  word  or  deed  of  ours,  we 
pray  thee  of  thy  great  pity  to  heal  and  re- 
store them,  that  they  may  serve  thee  with- 
out hindrance.  Tell  them,  O  gracious 
Lord,  if  it  may  be,  how  much  we  love 
them  and  miss  them,  and  long  to  see  them 
again  ;  and,  if  there  be  ways  in  which  they 
may  come,  vouchsafe  them  to  us  as  guides 
and  guards,  and  grant  us  a  sense  of  their 
nearness  in  such  degree  as  thy  laws 
permit.  If  in  aught  we  can  minister  to 
their  peace,  be  pleased  of  thy  love  to  let 
this  be;  and  mercifully  keep  us  from 
every  act  which  may  deprive  us  of  the 
sight  of  them  as  soon  as  our  trial-time  is 
over,  or  mar  the  fullness  of  our  joy  when 
the  end  of  the  days  hath  come.  Pardon, 
O  gracious  Lord  and  Father,  whatsoever 
is  amiss  in  this  our  prayer,  and  let  thy 
will  be  done,  for  our  will  is  blind  and 
erring,  but  thine  is  able  to  do  exceeding 
abundantly  above  all  that  we  ask  or  think  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen 


94  OCCASIONAL   OFFICES. 


Occasional  Offices. 

Office  for  the  Admission  of  Chokisters. 


^f  After  special  psa/iiis  and  lessons   these  questions 
folUno  ; 

Dost  thou  desire  to  become  a  member  of  this 
Choir,  appointed  to  direct  the  praises  of  Almighty 
God? 

Answer.    I  do. 

Dost  thou  promise  to  be  attentive  and  reverent, 
and  to  conduct  thyself  in  all  things  as  becometh  one 
who  is  in  the  house  of  God  ? 

Answer.   I  do. 

Dost  thou  promise  to  exercise  the  spirit  of  broth- 
erly love  toward  all  those  who  are  associated  with 
thee  in  this  service  of  praise  ? 

AnsTver.    I  do. 

Dost  thou  promise  to  be  punctual  and  regular  in 
attendance,  unless  reasonably  prevented  ? 

Ans-cer.    I  do. 

Dost  thou  promise  to  obey  in  all  things  lawful,  the 
rules  of  this  choir  ? 

Answer.    I  do. 

Dost  thou  promise  to  be  obedient  to  those,  to 
whom  the  direction  of  this  choir  has  been  given  ? 

An.noer.    I  do. 

■j   Then  shall  the  Priest  sav, 

I  admit  thee  into  this  choir,  In  the  Name  of  the 
Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Amen.  The  praises  of  God  be  in  thy  heart  and  in 
thy  mouth.  The  grace  of  God  sanctify  and  keep 
thee,  that  thou  mayest  hereafter  be  numbered 
among  those,  who  having  washed  their  robes  and 
made  them  white  in  the  Blood  of  the  Lamb,  stand 
before  the  throne  of  God  and  serve  day  and  night 
in  the  heavenly  temple. 

^[  The  Priest  then  gii'ing  the  Psalter  to  each  says. 

Receive  this  book,  and  see  that  what  thou  singest 
with  thy  lips,  thou  believe  in  thy  heart  and  practice 
in  thy  life. 

Let  us  pray. 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  ordained  the  faculties  of 
man  to  be  the  eternal  instruments  of  rendering  to 
thee  glory  and  praise ;  We  thank  thee  that  thou 
hast  moved  the  hearts  of  these  thy  servants  to  desire 
to  serve  thee,  in  singing  the  praises  of  thy  Name  in 
thy  holy  Church.  Bless  them,  we  beseech  thee,  in 
their  ministry  of  song.  Endue  them  with  the  spirit 
of  worship  in  thy  holy  fear,  that  through  the  pres- 
ence and  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  they  may  edify 
themselves  and  all  thy  congregation  in  psalms  and 
hymns    and     spiritual     songs,    singing    and     making 


OCCASIONAL   OFFICES.  95 

melody  in  their  hearts.  Hear  us,  for  the  sake  of 
Jesus  Christ,  to  whom  with  thee  and  the  Holy 
Ghost,  be  glory  and  praise,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

Grant,  O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  those  who  are 
set  apart  to  lead  thy  worship  upon  earth  may  be 
admitted  to  join  in  the  ceaseless  songs  of  heavenly 
worship  with  thine  elect ;  let  their  white  robes  be  to 
them  a  constant  memorial  of  the  purity  which  thou 
requirest,  and  their  association  with  thy  priests  on 
earth  remind  them  of  their  nearness  to  thee,  the 
great  High  Priest,  by  whom  alone  our  praises  are 
acceptably  offered  to  the  Father,  that  so  their  lives, 
as  well  as  their  psalms,  may  be  found  to  thine 
honor  and  glory,  who  ever  livest  to  make  inter- 
cession for  us,  our  Mediator  and  Advocate,  our 
Lord  and  our  God.     Amen. 

The  blessing  of  God  Almighty,  the  Father,  the 
Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  with  thee,  now  and  for 
evermore.     Amen. 


Office  for  Laying  a  Corner  Stone. 

Suitable  Psalms. — 84,  122,  87,  48,  118. 

Suitable  Lessons. — Genesis  xxviii.  10;  i  Chron- 
icles xxix.  10-18;  2  Chronicles  ii.  i  13  ;  Ezra  iii. 
10  ;   I  Corinthians  iii.  ;   i  Peter  ii. 

^  After  the  Psalms  niiJ  Lessons  the  Priest  shall  say. 

Behold  I  lay  in  Zion  a  chief  Corner  Stone  elect, 
precious : 

R.  And  he  that  believeth  in  him  shall  not  be  con- 
founded. 

The  Stone  which  the  builders  refused, 

R.    Is  become  the  head  stone  of  the  corner. 

This  is  the  Lord's  doing, 

R.   And  it  is  marvelous  in  our  eyes. 

Glory  be  to  the  Father,  etc., 

R.   As  it  was  in  the  beginning,  etc. 

I  believe,  etc. 

Let  us  pray. 

Our  Father,  etc. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  mercifully  be 
pleased  to  bless  this  stone,  which  we  are  about  to 
place  for  a  foundation  in  the  Name  of  him  who 
is  the  tried  and  precious  Stone ;  and  grant  that 
all  they  who,  to  the  furtherance  of  this  work,  shall 
have  faithfully  offered  to  thee  of  their  substance, 
may  ever  be  preserved  both  in  body  and  soul ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

•ff  Tlien  shall  the   Priest,  striking  the  stone  three  times, 
say, 
In  the  faith  of  Jesus  Christ,  we  place  this  stone  in 
the  foundation,  In  the  Name  of  the  Father, >J«  and 
of  the  Son,>J«  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. ^     Amen. 


96  OCCASIONAL   OFFICES. 

May  the  voice  of  prayer  and  praise  continually  be 
heard  here.  May  many  souls  through  faith  in  Jesus 
Christ,  a  devout  hearing  of  the  Word  of  God,  and  a 
right  reception  of  the  Holy  Sacraments,  find  this 
place  none  other  than  the  house  of  God,  and  the 
gate  of  heaven.      Amen, 

Let  us  pray. 

Bless,  O  Lord,  this  stone,  and  grant  through  the 
invocation  of  thy  holy  Name  that  this  work  begun 
in  thee  may  be  fulfilled  to  thy  glory  ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

Let  thy  Holy  Spirit,  O  Lord  our  God,  descend 
and  rest  upon  this  place,  that  our  gifts  and  all  our 
services  may  be  sanctified,  and  our  hearts,  and  the 
hearts  of  all  who  labor  upon  this  building  may 
be  cleansed  and  purified  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.      Amen. 

O  God,  who  art  the  shield  and  defence  of  thy 
people,  be  ever  at  hand,  we  beseech  thee,  to  protect 
and  succor  the  builders  of  this  house ;  that  the 
work  which,  through  thy  mercy,  hath  now  been 
begun,  may  by  their  labor  be  brought  to  a  happy 
end;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,     Amen. 

O  God,  who  hast  built  the  living  temple  of  thy 
Church  upon  the  foundation  of  the  Apostles  and 
Prophets,  Jesus  Christ  himself  being  the  chief 
corner-stone;  Grant  unto  tlie  work  of  thine  own 
hands  continual  increase  of  glory  and  spiritual 
strength,  and  daily  make  thy  people  more  meet  for 
the  eternal  tabernacle  of  thy  rest  in  the  heavens  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

O  God,  we  humbly  beseech  thee  to  accept  the 
services  of  all  who  contribute  of  their  substance 
toward  building  here  a  house  of  prayer.  Let  thy 
blessing  rest  upon  them  and  upon  those  who  labor 
in  erecting  it,  and  grant  that  the  progress  of  this 
work  may  be  secured  against  every  accident  and 
carried  forward  without  hindrance  unto  completion  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  thy  Son  our  Lord.      Amen. 

O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee  to  pour  thy  heavenly 
blessing  on  all  those  who  are  engaged  in  doing  and 
furthering  good  works  in  thy  holy  Church  ;  prosper 
their  undertakings,  grant  them  perseverance  therein, 
and  stimulate  others  by  their  example  to  like  zeal 
in  thy  service;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  art  the  temjile  of  the 
New  Jerusalem  ;  Guide,  we  pray  thee,  wandering 
souls  into  that  earthly  Jerusalem  which  is  thy  lioly 
Catholic  Church.  Let  thy  compassions  overflow  all 
bounds,  and  gather  into  the  sanctuary  of  thy  love 
every  soul  which  can  be  made  capable  of  loving 
thee.  And  at  last  give  us,  O  Lord,  piart  in  the 
worship  of  that  blessed  companv  to  whom  thou, 
in  the  Unity  of  the  adorable  Trinity,  shalt  be 
All  in  all  ;  grant  this,  O  our  God,  who  art  blessed 
and  liveth  and  reigneth  for  ever  and  ever.      Amen. 

I'he  grace,  etc. 


OCCASIONAL   OFFICES.  97 

Benediction  of  a  Rectory  or  Clergy 
House. 

O  eternal  God,  without  whom  nothing  is  strong, 
nothing  is  holy  ;  Bless, ^  to  the  use  of  this  Parish 
for  the  years  to  come,  this  house  which  loving  hearts 
and  willing  hands  have  erected  for  the  honor  and 
glory  of  thy  great  Name.  May  it  ever  be  like  a 
dwelling  of  Jacob,  from  which  a  hallowed  influence 
shall  go  forth  to  bless  and  strengthen  thy  people  in 
this  place.  May  they,  in  the  spirit  of  Christian 
love  regard  this  home,  and  ever  bring  to  those  who 
dwell  therein  the  support  of  true  sympathy  and 
devotion  ;  all  which  we  ask  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

O  Lord,  our  Heavenly  Father ;  Let  thy  loving 
mercy  and  compassion  ever  descend  upon  the  dwell- 
ers in  this  house.  Give  them  health  of  body,  soul 
and  spirit,  and  a  competent  portion  of  temporal 
blessings.  Drive  away  darkness  and  give  them 
light.  Defend  them  from  evil,  and  support  them 
in  adversity.  Vouchsafe  them  peace,  cheerfulness 
and  a  living  faith.  Abide  with  them  through  all  the 
changes  of  their  mortal  state,  and  grant  them  in  the 
world  to  come,  life  everlasting ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


Benediction  of  an  Altar. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  didst  manifest 
thyself  in  the  Temple  with  great  glory  :  We  invoke 
thy  blessing^  upon  this  altar.  Grant  that  the  pray- 
ers and  oblations  offered  here  may  be  acceptable  to 
thy  divine  Majesty.  Kneeling  here  may  thy  people 
in  times  of  trouble  find  relief ;  in  sickness  of  body 
and  soul,  health ;  in  unbelief,  faith  ;  in  weakness, 
strength ;  in  hours  of  darkness,  light  ;  and  when 
depressed  by  sin  and  worldliness,  spiritual  refresh- 
ment and  peace;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord, 
who  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost  liveth  and 
reigneth  one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

Grant,  Almighty  God,  that  all  who  minister  at  the 
altars  of  thy  Church  may  have  the  abundance  of  thy 
grace.  May  they  be  holy,  loving  and  blameless  in 
their  lives,  and  may  the  blessed  Sacrament  of  the 
Body  and  Blood  of  Christ  administered  by  them,  be 
to  the  great  and  endless  comfort  of  thy  people ; 
through  the  same  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


Benediction  of  Holy  Communion 
Vessels. 

Almighty  God,  we  acknowledge   that  we  are  not 
worthy  to  offer  unto  thee  anything  belonging  unto 


98  OCCASIONAL   OFFICES. 

US ;  Yet  we  beseech  thee  to  accept,  bless,  sanctify, 
and  hallow,^  these  vessels  that  are  to  be  used 
in  commemorating  the  love  of  thy  Son  in  dying  for 
us.  We  ask  it  through  the  same  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

O  eternal  God,  by  whose  command  the  temple 
was  adorned  and  beautified ;  We  bless  thy  holy 
Name  that  it  hath  pleased  thee  to  put  it  into  the 
hearts  of  thy  servants  to  contribute  to  the  beauty, 
honor,  and  reverent  worship  of  thine  house  through 
this  memorial.  Enlarge,  we  beseech  thee  this  spirit 
of  free  will  offerings  in  all  thy  people,  that  thy  king- 
dom may  be  advanced  and  the  salvation  of  men  be 
accomplished ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

Grant,  O  Lord,  that  whosoever  shall  receive 
through  these  gifts  the  blessed  Sacrament  of  the 
Body  and  Blood  of  Christ,  may  come  to  that  holy 
ordinance  with  faith,  charity,  and  true  repentance; 
and  being  filled  with  thy  grace  and  heavenly  bene- 
diction may  obtain  remission  of  their  sins,  and  all 
other  benefits  of  the  Eucharistic  Feast.  Grant  this 
for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ  thy  Son  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


Benediction  of  a  Sanctuary  Lamp. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  didst  command 
thine  ancient  people  Israel  to  burn  a  lamp  continu- 
ally in  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation  ;  We  be- 
seech thee  to  bless  and  hallow  ►{<  this  lamp.  By  its 
light  may  it  symbolize  thy  presence  in  thy  holy 
temple,  and  teach  us,  that  in  thee  there  is  no  dark- 
ness at  all ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  art  the  Brightness  of 
the  Father's  glory,  and  the  Light  of  the  world ; 
Shine  upon  us,  we  beseech  thee,  and  grant  that 
those  who  have  the  Light  may  walk  as  children  of 
Light ;  and  that  those  who  sit  in  darkness  and 
the  shadow  of  death  may  know  thee,  the  one  true 
Light  and  the  Sun  of  righteousness ;  who,  with 
the  Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  livest  and  reignest 
one  God,  world  without  end.      Amen. 


Benediction  of  a  Font. 

Almighty  Clod,  we  beseech  thee  to  hallow  ^  by 
thy  heavenly  visitation  and  the  radiancy  of  thy 
Holv  Spirit  this  Font  which  we  dedicate  unio  thee, 
that  whoever  shall  be  laved  herein,  being  cleansed 
by  the  three-fold  washing,  may  of  thy  bounty  obtain 
the  pardon  of  all  his  sins  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 


OCCASIONAL   OFFICES.  99 

We  yield  thee  humble  thanks,  O  heavenly  Father, 
that  thou  hast  vouchsafed  to  call  us  to  the  knowledge 
of  thy  grace  and  faith  in  thee.  Increase  this 
knowledge,  and  confirm  this  faith  in  us  evermore. 
Give  thy  Holy  Spirit  to  all  who  shall  be  baptized  in 
this  Font,  that,  being  born  again  and  made  heirs  of 
everlasting  salvation  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
they  may  continue  thy  servants  and  attain  thy 
promises  ;  through  the  same  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ, 
who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  thee  in  the  unity  of  the 
same  Holy  Spirit  everlastingly.      Amen. 

O  God,  by  whom  redemption  and  adoption  are 
bestowed  upon  us,  raise  up  unto  thyself  the  hearts 
of  thy  believing  people ;  that  all  who  have  been 
regenerated  in  holy  Baptism  may  apprehend  in 
their  minds  what  they  have  received  in  mysteries; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  bring  us  to  the 
fellowship  of  heavenly  joys ;  that  thou  mayest 
vouchsafe  an  entrance  into  thy  kingdom  to  those 
that  are  born  again  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  that  the 
lowly  flock  may  reach  that  place  whither  the  mighty 
Shepherd  hath  gone  before  ;  through  the  same  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


Benediction  of  a  Pulpit. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  didst  command  thy 
chosen  ministers  to  go  into  all  the  world  and  preach 
the  gospel  to  every  creature ;  We  pray  thee  to 
bless, ►{<  sanctify,  and  hallow  this  pulpit,  and  grant 
to  all  who  shall  speak  therefrom,  plainness  of 
speech  in  rebuking  vice,  and  persistency  and  bold- 
ness in  declaring  the  whole  truth.  Grant  this, 
blessed  Saviour,  for  thy  mercy's  sake,  who  livest 
and  reignest  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost 
one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen, 

Grant  us,  O  Lord,  attentive  ears,  and  receptive 
hearts,  that  we  may  rejoice  in  thy  preached  Word, 
and  loving  more  and  more  its  holy  precepts,  may 
daily  grow  in  grace  until  we  come  to  thine  ever- 
lasting kingdom  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


Benediction  of  a  Rood  Screen. 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  exalted  the  cross  as  the 
standard  of  our  salvation  ;  We  beseech  thee  to 
bless  >J<  and  sanctify  this  Rood  Screen.  May  its 
uplifting  be  acceptable  to  thee,  and  may  it  be  to  us 
a  perpetual  reminder  of  the  passion  of  thy  dear  Son, 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  to  whom  with  thee  and  the 
Holy  Ghost  be  glory  and  honor,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 


100  OCCASIONAL   OFFICES. 

Blessed  Saviour,  who  didst  hang  upon  the  cross, 
stretching  forth  thy  loving  arms;  Grant  that  all 
mankind  may  look  unto  thee  and  be  saved  ;  through 
thy  mercies  and  merits,  who  livest  and  reignest  with 
the  Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world 
without  end.     Amen. 


Benediction  of  a  Cross. 

O  God,  who  didst  by  the  uplifting  of  thy  beloved 
Son,  draw  all  men  unto  him ;  We  pray  thee  to 
bless  and  sanctify  ►{<  this  cross,  and  grant  that  it 
may  remind  us  of  the  humility  and  patience  of  him 
who  suffered  thereon,  that  we  might  obtain  eternal 
life.  This  we  ask  in  the  Name  of  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

Merciful  and  gracious  God,  who  didst  give  thine 
only-begotten  Son  to  die  for  us,  the  just  for  the 
unjust ;  Grant  us  grace  that  we  may  never  be 
ashamed  of  the  cross  of  Christ.  May  it  be  to  us  the 
emblem  of  our  redemption,  and  fill  us  with  love  and 
gratitude  toward  him,  who  for  our  sakes  endured 
the  cross,  despising  the  shame.  We  ask  it  through 
the  same  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


Benediction  of  an  Organ. 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  taught  us  in  thy  blessed 
Word  to  magnify  thy  holy  Name ;  We  offer  thee 
this  instrument  of  praise  to  assist  in  the  services  of 
thine  house.  We  beseech  thee  to  bless, ^  hallow, 
and  sanctify  it,  that  it  may  be  free  from  all  secular 
and  worldly  purposes,  and  lead  the  minds  of  thy 
people  up  to  thee;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord, 
Amen. 

Grant.  O  Lord,  that  those  who  enter  thy  courts  to 
worship  thee,  may  engage  in  the  prayers  and  praises 
with  such  solemnity,  reverence  and  devotion,  that 
their  spiritual  natures  may  be  refreshed  and 
strengthened ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

Grant,  O  Lord  God,  that  our  hearts  may  be  so 
attuned  to  the  songs  of  thine  earthly  house  that 
we  may  at  last  be  welcomed  to  the  praises  of  that 
temple  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens  ; 
where  thou  with  the  Son  and  the  Holy  Ghost  livest 
and  reij^nest  one  God,   world  without  end.     Amen. 


Benediction  of  an  Alms  Basin. 

.•\lmighty  God,  who  delightest  in  the  free  will 
offerings  of  thy  people;  We  pray  thee  to  bless ^J* 
and  hallow  this  alms  basin  ;    Grant  that  we  may  all 


OCCASIONAL   offices'.  101 

offer  thee  of  our  substance  according  as  thou  hast 
blessed  us.  If  we  have  much,  may  we  give  plente- 
ously,  and  if  little,  may  we  give  gladly  of  that  little, 
thus  laying  up  in  store  for  ourselves  a  good  foun- 
dation against  the  time  to  come,  that  we  may 
attain  eternal  life ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

O  God,  who  buildest  for  thy  Majesty  an  eternal 
habitation  out  of  living  and  elect  stones  ;  Assist  thy 
suppliant  people,  that  as  thy  Church  gains  in  ma- 
terial extent,  it  may  also  be  enlarged  by  spiritual 
increase  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


Benediction  of  a  Church  Bell. 

Almighty  God,  who  dost  sanctify  material  things 
to  the  honor  and  glory  of  thy  Church  ;  We  entreat 
thee  to  bless  ^  and  hallow  this  bell  set  apart  for  the 
services  of  thine  house.  May  its  voice  be  a  joyful 
sound  to  all  Christian  people,  bidding  to  prayer  and 
praise,  and  a  right  keeping  of  holy  days ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

We  beseech  thee.  Almighty  God,  that  this  bell 
may  speak  in  warning  tones  to  the  ungodly  and  the 
careless  of  the  claims  of  thy  house  of  prayer,  and 
lead  them  to  seek  a  new  life  in  thee ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

We  beseech  thee,  Almighty  God,  that  the  sound 
of  this  bell  calling  faithful  souls  to  the  Sacrament 
of  the  Body  and  Blood  of  Christ,  may  be  heeded  by 
us,  that  through  the  power  of  the  Holy  Eucharist, 
Christ  may  dwell  in  us,  and  we  in  him  ;  through  the 
same  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Almighty  God,  we  pray  thee  that  those  who  are 
suffering  from  any  sickness  whereby  they  cannot 
appear  in  thy  courts,  may  through  this  sounding 
bell  have  comforting  and  peaceful  thoughts  of  thee  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Almighty  God,  vouchsafe,  we  beseech  thee,  that 
the  tolling  of  this  bell  at  the  passing  away  of 
any  mortal  life,  may  lead  us  to  holy  anticipations  of 
that  life  which  knows  no  ending;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 


Benediction  of  Palms. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  in  the  days  of  thy  flesh, 
entered  thy  capital  city,  meek  and  lowly,  sitting 
upon  an  ass,  and  upon  a  colt,  the  foal  of  an  ass, 
and  who  afterward  was  seen  by  Saint  John,  going 
forth  on   a  white  horse,  with  a  bow   and  a  crown, 


102  OCCASIONAL  OFFICES. 

conquering  and  to  conquer;  Bless^  these  emblems 
of  victory,  and  to  those  who  carry  them,  grant  that 
so  far  as  the  sufferings  of  Christ  abound  in  them, 
their  consolation  may  abound  by  Christ.  Hear  us, 
O  blessed  Saviour  of  mankind,  who  now  livest  and 
reignest  with  the  Father,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  one 
God,  world  without  end.      Amen. 

Almighty  God,  whose  Son  at  the  time  of  his 
entrance  into  Jerusalem  was  hailed  as  King,  and 
his  way  strewn  with  palm  branches;  Grant  that 
when  the  victorious  Christ  shall  come  again,  we 
may  be  ready  to  meet  him  with  Hosannas,  and 
be  made  partakers  with  him  of  eternal  victory  ; 
through  the  same  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 


Various  Benedictions. 


Of  a  Marriage  Ring. 

Almighty  God,  we  beseech  thee  to  sanctify  and 
hallow  ^  this  ring,  and  grant  that  he  who  gives 
it,  and  she  who  receives  it,  may  live  each  for 
the  other,  and  both  for  thee  ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord,      Amen. 

Of  Choir  or  Guild  Medals. 

O  God,  Creator.  Preserver,  and  Saviour  of  man- 
kind, send  down  thy  blessing  >J<  on  these  medals, 
that  whoever  wears  them  may  evermore  stand  fast 
in  thy  faith,  love  and  fear,  and  may  daily  increase 
in  thy  Holy  Spirit,  more  and  more;  through  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.      Amen. 

Of  Serviee  Books. 

O  God,  the  source  of  all  knowledge;  We  beseech 
thee  to  hallow  ^  these  l)ooks  now  set  apart  for 
thy  service.  Grant  that  the  blessed  truths  they 
contain  may  be  gladly  received  and  faithfully  fol- 
lowed, to  the  glory  of  thy  Name  and  our  salvation  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Of  Caudles. 

Almighty  God.  who  didst  send  thy  Son  to  be  the 
Light  of  the  world  ;  iiless.^  we  beseech  thee,  these 
candles,  and  grant,  that  we  may  walk  as  children  of 
ligVit,  to  the  honor  of  thy  holy  Name;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Of  ]'est)iieiifs. 

O  God,  whose  power  is  Almighty,  who  art  the 
Creator  and  Hallower  of  all  things;  Graciously  hear 


OCCASIONAL  OFFICES.  103 

our  prayers,  and  vouchsafe  thyself  to  bless  ^J^  and 
hallow  these  garments  for  the  use  of  thy  ministers, 
and  grant  that  all  those  who  use  them,  attending  in 
thy  temple,  and  serving  thee  devoutly  and  rever- 
ently in  them,  may  become  well-pleasing  unto  thee; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

Of  ail  Altar  Cloth. 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  appointed  holy  places  for 
the  administration  of  thy  mysteries;  Vouchsafe  a 
blessing  ►{<  upon  this  cloth  made  to  adorn  the  altar 
of  thine  house,  and  grant  that  it  may  deepen  our 
reverence  for  all  things  sacred ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 


Of  Altar  Linen. 

Grant,  Almighty  God,  that  this  linen  may  be 
hallowed  ►J*  by  thy  blessing,  and  that  henceforth  it 
may  aid  in  making  decorous  the  services  that  honor 
the  Sacrament  of  the  Body  and  Blood  of  Christ. 
We  ask  it  through  the  same  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 


Of  a  ChurcJi  Banner. 

Almighty  God.  who  art  honored  in  reverent 
worship  and  sacred  appointments;  We  beseech  thee 
to  bless  ^  and  sanctify  this  banner,  that  by  its  use, 
thy  Church  may  be  adorned  and  thy  Name  re- 
vered ;    through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Of  a  Funeral  Pall. 

Almighty  God,  in  whose  hand  is  the  breath  of 
man  ;  We  beseech  thee  to  bless  ^  and  hallow  this 
funeral  pall,  and  grant  that  its  use  may  remind 
us  of  the  shortness  and  uncertainty  of  our  mortal 
life,  and  quicken  us  to  seek  that  imperishable 
wisdom  which  thou  hast  revealed  through  thy  Son 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  to  whom  with  thee  and  the 
Holy  Ghost  be  all  praise  and  glory,  world  without 
end.     Amen. 


104  MISSIONARY    PRAYERS. 


missionary  Prayers. 

Order  for  a  Missionary  Service. 


Proper  Psalms. — Psalms  2,  45.  46,  72.  96.  no, 
145- 

Scripture  Lessons, — Isaiah  xlix.,  Hi.  7,  liii.  and 
Ix.  ;   St.  Matthew  ix.  35  ;   St.  John,  xvii.  ;    Romans,  x. 

Collects. — For  the  Twenty-fifth  Sunday  after 
Trinity;  St.  Andrew's  Day;  Third  Sunday  in 
Advent ;  Second  and  Third  Collects  for  Good 
Friday  ;  Third  Sunday  after  Easter  ;  Fifth  Sunday 
after  Trinity  ;   St.  Simon  and  St.  Jude's  Day. 

Almighty  God,  by  whose  heavenly  inspiration  we 
think  those  things  that  are  right,  even  as  by  thy 
merciful  guidance  we  perform  the  same  ;  Quicken  in 
the  hearts  of  thy  servants  the  Bishops  and  other 
Pastors  of  thy  flock  and  the  people  committed  to 
their  charge,  such  a  sense  of  their  duty  to  all  who 
are  ignorant,  erring  and  uncared-for  in  this  land 
as  shall  move  them  to  sacrifice  and  service  in  their 
behalf,  without  stint  and  without  delay.  Make  us 
to  see  that  souls  are  perishing  for  lack  <of  the 
knowledge  of  Jesus  Christ  and  him  crucified,  and 
since  thou  hast  entrusted  to  us  the  knowledge  of 
thy  truth  and  the  gifts  of  thy  bounty,  help  us  to  use 
them  as  good  stewards,  that  so  thy  Word  may  be 
proclaimed  and  thy  kingdom  enlarged,  to  the  glory 
of  thy  Name  and  the  salvation  of  men  ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     .\men. 

Almighty  God,  who,  by  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ, 
didst  give  commandment  to  the  holy  Apostles,  that 
they  should  go  into  all  the  world,  and  preach  the 
gospel  to  every  creature;  Grant  to  us  w-hom  thou 
hast  called  into  thy  Church  a  ready  will  to  obej'  thy 
word,  and  fill  us  with  a  hearty  desire  to  make 
thy  way  known  upon  earth,  thy  saving  health 
among  all  nations.  Look  with  compassion  upon  the 
heathen  that  have  not  known  thee,  and  on  the 
multitudes  in  our  own  land  that  are  scattered 
abroad  as  sheep  having  no  shepherd.  O  heavenly 
Father,  Lord  of  the  harvest,  have  respect,  we  be- 
seech thee,  to  our  prayers,  and  send  forth  laborers 
into  thy  harvest.  Fit  and  prepare  them  by  thy 
grace  for  the  work  of  their  ministry  ;  give  them  the 
spirit  of  power,  and  of  love,  and  of  a  sound  mind  : 
strengthen  them  to  endure  hardship;  and  grant  that 
both  by  their  life  and  doctrine  they  may  show  forth 
thy  glory,  and  set  forward  the  salvation  of  all  men  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      .-\men. 

O  Holy  Father,  who  didst  promise  to  thy  well- 
beloved  Son,  "Desire  of  me  and  I  shall  give  thee 
the  heathen  for  thine  inheritance  and  the  utmost 
parts  of  the  earth    for  thy  possession  ; "    Hear,   we 


MISSIONARY    PRAYERS.  105 

pray  thee,  his  prevailing  intercession  for  the  souls 
which  he  has  purchased  with  his  precious  blood  ; 
kindle  our  desires  for  the  extension  of  his  kingdom 
among  men  ;  pour  upon  us  the  spirit  of  supplication 
for  the  spread  of  the  gospel  ;  and  so  consecrate  our 
lives  to  thy  service,  that  we  may  gladly  give  our- 
selves and  our  substance  to  send  the  sound  of  the 
blessed  gospel  "into  all  lands  and  its  words  unto 
the  ends  of  the  world  ;  "  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.      Amen. 

Gather  together  thine  elect,  O  Saviour,  from  the 
four  corners  of  heaven.  Send  forth  thy  ministers 
into  all  the  world  in  the  spirit  and  power  of  Elias, 
and  bring  in  the  fulness  of  the  Gentiles.  Quicken 
the  dead  in  trespasses  and  sins ;  enlighten  the 
ignorant;  bring  back  the  wandering;  and  as  thou 
hast  warned  us  that  the  day  of  the  Lord  so  cometh 
as  a  thief  in  the  night,  grant  us  grace  to  be  sober, 
and  to  watch  always  unto  prayer,  lest  that  day  come 
upon  us  unawares;  and  evermore  to  live  with  our 
loins  girded,  as  men  who  wait  for  their  Lord  ; 
and  thy  Name  shall  be  praised,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

O  most  merciful  Saviour  and  Redeemer,  who 
wouldest  not  that  any  should  perish,  but  that  all 
men  should  be  saved  and  come  to  the  knowledge  of 
the  truth  ;  Fulfil  thy  gracious  promise  to  be  present 
with  those  who  are  gone  forth  in  thy  Name  to 
preach  the  gospel  of  salvation  in  distant  lands.  Be 
with  them  in  all  perils  by  land  or  by  water,  in  sick- 
ness and  distress,  in  weariness  and  painfulness,  in 
disappointment  and  persecution.  Bless  them,  we 
beseech  thee,  with  thy  continual  favour;  and  send 
thy  Holy  Spirit  to  guide  them  into  all  truth. 
O  Lord,  let  thy  ministers  be  clothed  with  righteous- 
ness, and  grant  that  thy  Word  spoken  by  their 
mouths  may  never  be  spoken  in  vain.  Endue  them 
with  power  from  on  high  ;  and  so  prosper  thy  work 
in  their  hands,  that  the  fulness  of  the  Gentiles  may 
be  gathered  in,  and  all  Israel  be  saved.  Hear  us,  O 
Lord,  for  thy  mercy's  sake;  and  grant  that  all  who 
are  called  by  thy  Name  may  be  one  in  thee,  and 
may  abound  more  and  more  in  prayers  and  in  free- 
will offerings,  for  the  extension  of  thy  kingdom 
throughout  the  world,  to  thy  honor  and  glory,  who 
livest  and  reignest  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy 
Ghost,  one  God,  world  without  end.      Amen. 

Almighty  God,  whose  compassions  fail  not,  and 
whose  loving  kindness  reacheth  unto  the  world's 
end  ;  We  give  thee  humble  thanks  for  all  the  great 
things  thou  hast  done  and  art  doing  for  the  children 
of  men,  for  the  opening  of  heathen  lands  to  the  light 
of  thy  truth,  for  making  paths  in  the  deep  waters 
and  highways  in  the  desert,  for  knitting  nation  to 
nation  in  the  bonds  of  fellowship,  and  for  the  plant- 
ing of  thy  Church  in  all  the  earth.  O  merciful 
Father,  in  whom  the  whole  family  is  named,  fill  full 
our  hearts  with  grateful  love  for  this  thy  goodness, 
granting  us  grace  henceforth-to  serve  thee  better 
and  more  perfectly  to  know  thee ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


106  MISSIONARY    PKAYERS. 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  given  to  thy  dear  Son  the 
heathen  for  an  inheritance,  and  the  utmost  parts  of 
the  earth  for  a  possession  ;  Bless,  we  beseech  thee, 
the  missionary  work  of  thy  holy  Church  in  all  parts 
of  the  world.  Have  pity  upon  the  peoples  who  are 
still  calling  upon  gods  that  cannot  save,  and  so 
touch  their  hearts  and  waken  their  consciences  and 
rule  their  wills,  that  they  may  turn  to  thee  the 
living  God,  who  wouldest  have  all  men  to  be  saved 
and  to  come  to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth.  Raise 
up  among  them,  we  pray  thee,  prophets  and  teachers 
of  their  own  blood,  men  full  of  wisdom  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost.  Gather  in  the  souls  destitute  of  help. 
Set  free  the  prisoners  of  darkness.  Have  pity  upon 
the  unthankful  and  the  unholy.  Forgive  the  evil- 
doers who  know  not  what  they  do;  and  out  of  many 
nations  and  peoples  and  kindreds  and  tongues 
assemble  the  congregation  of  thy  saints.  All  which 
we  ask  for  the  sake  of  thy  only  Son  our  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

O  God,  who  hast  made  of  one  blood  all  nations  of 
men  to  dwell  on  all  the  face  of  the  earth,  and  didst 
send  thy  blessed  Son  to  preach  peace  to  them  that 
are  afar  off,  and  to  them  that  are  nigh  ;  Grant  that 
the  heathen  peoples  everywhere  may  seek  after  thee 
and  find  thee,  and  hasten,  O  Lord,  the  fulfilment  of 
thy  promise  to  pour  out  thy  Spirit  upon  all  flesh  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


Special  Prayers  for  Missions. 


For  Indian  Missions. 

Almighty  and  most  merciful  God,  the  Father  of 
the  friendless  and  the  helper  of  the  helpless;  Have 
pity,  we  beseech  thee,  upon  the  Indian  tribes  who 
dwell  in  this  our  land.  Send  to  them  the  light  and 
comfort  of  thy  holy  gospel.  Bless  all  the  means 
used  to  bring  them  to  the  knowledge  of  thy  dear 
Son,  who  died  for  the  salvation  of  all  men.  Guide 
with  thy  Spirit,  guard  with  thy  power,  sustain  with 
thy  love,  all  those  who  minister  to  them  in  spiritual 
things,  and  bear  to  them  the  tidings  of  redemption. 
Stir  up  the  hearts  of  all  who  profess  and  call  them- 
selves Christians  to  pra3er  and  deeds  of  mercy  in 
behalf  of  this  perishing  race.  Give  to  our  rulers  a 
sense  of  honor,  truth  and  justice  in  all  their  dealings 
with  them,  and  fill  this  whole  nation  with  com- 
passion for  this  poor  and  scattered  people  ;  and  so 
fetch  them  home,  blessed  Lord,  to  thy  flock,  that 
they  may  be  saved  among  the  remnant  of  true 
Israelites,  and  be  made  one  fold  under  one  Shep- 
herd. All  which  we  ask  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 


MISSIONARY   PRAYERS.  107 

For  Missions  ainoj/g  Colored  People. 

Almighty  and  eternal  God,  whose  love  and  care 
extendeth  to  all  thy  creatures  ;  We  pray  thee  to  hear 
the  prayers  of  thy  Church  in  behalf  of  the  mission- 
ary work  now  being  carried  on  among  the  colored 
people  of  our  land.  Prosper  every  effort  to  advance 
their  moral  and  spiritual  condition.  Save  them 
from  vice,  superstition,  and  ignorance,  and  incite 
them  to  industry,  self-reliance  and  faithfulness. 
Cause  the  light  of  thy  gospel  to  shine  into  their 
hearts,  and  through  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
may  they  be  lovers  of  purity,  honesty  and  truthful- 
ness. Grant  that  in  all  things  they  may  live 
righteously,  soberly,  and  godly  in  this  present 
world,  and  finally  by  thy  mercy  enter  upon  the  joys 
of  the  world  to  come ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

For  the  Jews. 

O  everlasting  God,  the  God  of  Abraham,  the  God 
of  Isaac,  and  the  God  of  Jacob  ;  We  beseech  thee  to 
look  upon  thine  ancient  people,  Israel,,  scattered 
abroad  throughout  the  world,  and  to  visit  them  with 
thy  salvation.  Take  away  the  veil  from  their 
hearts,  and  bring  them  to  a  knowledge  of  Jesus 
Christ,  their  Messiah,  their  Prince,  and  their 
Saviour  ;  and  so  fetch  them  home,  blessed  Lord, 
to  thy  flock,  that  they  may  be  saved  among  the 
remnant  of  the  true  Israelites,  and  be  made  par- 
takers of  everlasting  life  ;  through  the  same  Jesus 
Christ,  thy  Son,  who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  thee 
and  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

For  our  Felknv-cojtutry-meu  in  distant 
Lands. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  hast  commanded  us  by 
thy  Apostles  to  walk  worthy  of  the  vocation  where- 
with we  are  called,  and  as  we  have  received  thy 
gift,  so  to  minister  the  same  one  to  another  ;  Grant 
to  all  who  are  baptized  into  thy  holy  Name,  and 
especially  to  our  fellow-country-men  who  sojourn  in 
distant  lands,  that  they  may  show  forth  thy  praises, 
who  hast  called  them  out  of  darkness  into  mar- 
vellous light.  Preserve  them,  we  beseech  thee, 
from  the  sin  of  offending  thy  little  ones  who  believe 
in  thee,  and  from  causing  thy  Word  to  be  blas- 
phemed among  the  heathen.  Make  them  as  the 
salt  of  the  earth,  and  as  a  light  in  the  world ;  that 
so,  beholding  their  good  works,  and  won  by  their 
holy  lives,  multitudes  may  be  turned  to  thy  truth, 
to  glorify  thee  in  the  day  of  visitation,  who  with  the 
Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost  art  one  God,  world  with- 
out end.     Amen. 

For  Persecuted  Christians. 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  knit  together  thine  elect 
in  one    communion  and    fellowship  in  the  mystical 


108  MISSIONARY    PRAYERS. 

Body  of  thy  Son  Christ  our  Lord  ;  and  hast  taught 
us  to  bear  one  another's  burdens  and  so  fulfil  the 
law  of  Christ ;  We  beseech  thee  mercifully  to  re- 
member thy  servants,  our  brethren,  who  are  suffer- 
ing persecution  for  his  Name.  Strengthen  those 
who  stand ;  comfort  and  help  the  weak-hearted  ; 
if  any  fall,  raise  them  up  ;  and  we  pray  thee  to  for- 
give their  enemies  and  persecutors,  and  to  turn 
their  hearts;  that  the  blood  of  these  thy  servants 
may  be  effectual  to  the  conversion  of  souls  and  of 
the  heathen  land  in  which  they  dwell  ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

For  the  Syrian  Church. 

Revive,  O  Lord,  in  the  midst  of  the  years,  revive 
thy  work,  O  Lord.  Gather  together  thy  dispersed 
sheep,  scattered  throughout  the  world,  into  one  fold 
under  one  Shepherd;  and  grant  that  through  the 
operation  of  the  Holy  Spirit  the  labors  of  the  Syrian 
Church  may  be  made  effectual  for  the  conversion  of 
Asia.  Send  forth  laborers  into  thy  harvest,  and 
defend  them  by  thy  mighty  power,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


At  the  Seiu/ing  forth  of  a  Missionary. 

Almighty  God,  who  didst  send  thine  only-begotten 
Son  into  the  world  for  the  redemption  of  mankind, 
and  that  the  gospel  of  his  kingdom  might  be  made 
known  unto  men  through  the  preaching  of  his 
Apostles;  Send,  we  pray  thee,  thy  Holy  Spirit  upon 
this  thy  servant  whom  thou  hast  called  to  labor 
in  thy  vineyard.  Anoint  him  to  preach  the  gospel 
to  the  poor,  send  him  to  heal  the  broken-hearted,  to 
preach  deliverance  to  the  captives,  and  recovery  of 
sight  to  the  blind,  to  set  at  liberty  them  that  are 
bruised,  and  to  preach  the  acceptable  year  of  the 
Lord.  And  grant  that  he  may  follow  after  right- 
eousness, godliness,  faith,  love,  patience,  and  meek- 
ness; through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

For  SeaJHOi . 

Almighty  Father,  with  whom  is  no  distance,  and 
no  darkness,  and  no  power  too  strong  for  thy  ruling  ; 
We  beseech  thee  to  bless  on  all  seas  the  vessels  of 
our  fleet  and  merchandise,  our  sailors  and  our  fish- 
ermen, with  all  that  go  to  and  fro  and  occupy  their 
business  in  great  waters ;  save  them  from  dangers 
known  and  unforeseen  ;  deliver  them  from  strong 
temptation  and  from  easily  besetting  sin ;  teach 
them  to  mark  thy  works  and  wonders  on  the  deep ; 
fill  them  with  kindness,  loyalty  and  faith,  and  make 
every  man  to  do  his  duty  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.      Amen. 

For  Fallen  Women . 

O  Almighty  God,  we  thy  unworthy  servants 
beseech  thee  to  bless  the  work  of  thy  Church  among 


MISSIONARV    PRAYERS.  109 

those  who  have  fallen  through  the  temptations  of 
fleshly  sin.  Stir  up,  O  Lord,  the  hearts  of  devout 
men  and  women  to  minister  to  thy  lost  and  helpless 
ones;  support  and  comfort  them  in  all  their  toil  and 
anxiety,  and  vouchsafe  them  the  increase  of  faith 
and  love,  and  bring  them  to  be  of  one  mind  and 
heart  in  the  communion  of  thy  saints,  that  they  may 
work  together  for  thee  here,  and  finally  be  received 
into  thy  kingdom  of  peace ;  through  the  merits  and 
mediation  of  thy  dear  Son,  our  only  Saviour,  Jesus 
Christ.     Amen. 

For  the  Increase  of  the  Ministry. 

O  Almighty  God,  who  hast  in  thy  holy  Church 
committed  to  the  hands  of  men  the  ministry  of 
reconciliation,  to  gather  together  a  great  flock  in  all 
parts  of  the  world,  to  the  eternal  praise  of  thy  holy 
Name  ;  We  humbly  beseech  thee  that  thou  wilt  put 
it  in  the  hearts  of  many  faithful  men  to  seek  this 
sacred  ministry,  appointed  for  the  salvation  of  man- 
kind ;  that  so  thy  Church  may  rejoice  in  a  due  sup- 
ply of  true  and  faithful  pastors,  and  the  bounds  of 
thy  blessed  kingdom  may  be  enlarged ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

For  City  Missions. 

O  God,  almighty  and  merciful,  who  healest  those 
that  are  broken  in  heart,  and  turnest  the  sadness  of 
the  sorrowful  to  joy  ;  Let  thy  fatherly  goodness  be 
upon  all  that  thou  hast  made.  Especially  we  be- 
seech thee  to  remember  in  pity  such  as  are,  at  this 
time,  destitute,  homeless,  or  forgotten  of  their  fel- 
low-men. Bless  the  congregation  of  thy  poor. 
Uplift  those  who  are  cast  down,  mightily  befriend 
innocent  sufferers,  and  sanctify  to  them  the  endur- 
ance of  their  wrongs.  Cheer  with  hope  all  dis- 
couraged and  unhappy  people,  and  by  thy  heavenly 
grace  preserve  from  falling  those  whose  penury 
tempteth  them  to  sin.  Though  they  be  troubled  on 
every  side,  suffer  them  not  to  be  distressed  ;  though 
they  be  perplexed,  save  them  from  despair.  Grant 
this,  O  Lord,  for  the  love  of  him,  who  for  our  sakes 
became  poor,  thy  Son,  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 

For   Workers  in   City  Missions. 

Gracious  God  and  Father,  who  wiliest  not  that 
any  should  perish,  but  that  all  men  should  be  saved 
and  come  to  a  knowledge  of  the  truth  ;  Bless  and 
encourage  all  workers,  clerical  and  lay,  who  are 
ministering  to  the  poor,  the  destitute,  the  Christless 
and  cast  down  in  our  great  cities.  Give  them 
patience  in  dealing  with  the  vicious  and  forsaken, 
and  persistency  in  seeking  the  sheep  that  have 
wandered  from  thy  fold.  May  they  be  as  lights 
illuminating  homes  of  darkness  and  vice.  May  they 
speak  peace  to  troubled  hearts  and  bring  many 
souls,  now  burdened  with  sin  into  the  liberty  and 
joy  of   the  gospel.      Fill  these  workers  and  helpers 


no  MISSIONARY    PRAYIZRS. 

with  love  and  courage,  that  the)'  may  never  despair 
of  any  of  thy  creatures,  but  be  animated  to  greater 
devotion  and  exertion  by  the  sin  and  wretchedness 
of  the  world.  Cirant  this  for  the  sake  of  him  who 
went  about  doing  good,  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.      Amen. 


Prayers  for  Women  Workers. 

Almighty  God,  who  didst  call  Phoebe  and  other 
holy  women  to  be  helpers  and  workers  in  thy 
service;  We  pray  thee  to  bless  these  thy  servants 
whom  thou  hast  called  to  a  like  ministration.  Give 
them  hearts  of  thankfulness  for  the  honor  thou  hast 
put  upon  them.  Fill  them  with  all  Christian  graces, 
that  by  their  zeal  and  good  example,  they  may  faith- 
fully serve  thee,  to  the  glory  of  thy  Name,  and  the 
good  of  thy  Church  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

Vouchsafe  thy  blessing,  O  Lord,  upon  all  women 
who  are  engaged  in  good  works,  and  devoted  to  the 
enlargement  of  thy  kingdom.  Give  them  wisdom 
and  patience,  diligence  and  fortitude,  and  an  un- 
ceasing regard  for  all  who  may  be  made  thine. 
Lift  them  above  every  discouragement  and  give 
them  an  abundant  harvest  of  souls,  through  him  who 
came  to  seek  and  save  the  lost,  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

For  the  Woman' s  Auxiliary . 

O  Lord,  without  whom  our  labor  is  but  lost,  and 
with  whom  thy  little  ones  go  forth  as  the  mighty  ; 
We  humblji  beseech  thee  to  prosper  all  works  in  thy 
Church  undertaken  according  to  thy  holy  will, 
(especially  the  work  of  the  Woman's  Auxiliary,)  and 
grant  to  thy  laborers  a  pure  intention,  patient  faith, 
sufficient  success  upon  earth,  and  the  blessedness  of 
serving  thee  in  heaven  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.      Amen. 


For  the  Daiig/iti'rs  of  the  I\i>/g. 

O  eternal  Father,  who  hast  sent  us  thy  Son  to 
teach  us  things  pertaining  to  thy  heavenly  kingdom  ; 
Give  thy  blessing,  we  beseech  thee,  to  this  order 
wherever  it  may  be  throughout  the  world  ;  vouch- 
safe that  these,  thy  Daughters,  ever  may  discern  thy 
sacred  truth,  and  bear  with  sturdy  mind,  the  cross, 
thy  royal  emblem,  through  the  battles  of  their 
earthly  life;  give  them  strength  to  overcome,  and 
grace  that  they  may  strive  to  spread  thy  kingdom 
and  to  gather  thy  dispersed  sheep  within  thy  fold  ; 
pour  out  upon  them  the  seven-fold  gifts  of  thv  Hoh' 
Spirit,  that  they  may  never  forget  that  it  is  thy 
work   which   they  are  called  upon  to  do,  that  they 


MTSSIONARY    PRAYERS.  Ill 

may  think  nothing,  do  nothing,  and  say  nothing 
which  may  injure  themselves,  their  neighbors  or  thy 
holy  work,  and  that  amid  all  temptations  they  may 
be  ready  always  to  forget  self  by  obeying  thy  most 
blessed  will,  and  finally,  upon  them,  faithful  unto 
death,  bestow  thy  crown  of  everlasting  life.  We 
ask  it  all  for  his  sake,  for  whom  we  work,  who  died 
for  us,  who  lives  for  us  and  intercedes,  our  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

For  Sisterhoods. 

O  God,  who  inhabitest  and  keepest  pure  hearts, 
grant  to  Christian  virgins  to  know  the  excellence  of 
virginity,  to  love  that  which  they  know,  to  preserve 
faithfully  that  which  they  love,  that  going  forth 
to  meet  the  Bridegroom  with  kindled  lamps,  they 
may  be  admitted  to  his  heavenly  marriage  ;  through 
the  same  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

For  Deaconesses. 

Grant,  O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  to  thine  hand- 
maidens called  to  the  office  of  Deaconess,  the  grace 
of  perseverance  in  their  ministry  ;  Bestow  on  them 
the  gifts  of  wisdom  and  sound  judgment,  of  sim- 
plicity and  singleness  of  heart,  of  sympathy  with 
those  among  whom  they  dwell  and  work,  of  ready 
obedience  to  all  lawful  rule  and  authority,  and  of 
courtesy  and  mildness  toward  all  with  whom  they 
have  to  do.  Be  thou,  O  Lord,  their  guide  in  all 
doubt,  their  support  in  weariness,  and  their  comfort 
in  sorrow,  that  thou  mayest  be  also  unto  them  an 
exceeding  great  reward  in  the  day  of  the  revelation 
of  thine  only-begotten  Son  ;  to  whom  with  thee  and 
the  Holy  Ghost  be  glory  and  honor,  world  without 
end.      Amen. 


Prayers  for  Generous  Giving  to 
Missions. 

I 

Almighty  God,  and  gracious  Father,  the  source  of 
all  our  blessings  ;  We  pray  thee  to  make  us  sensible 
of  our  duty  to  thee  in  the  use  of  the  gifts  intrusted 
to  us.  If  our  material  resources  increase,  may  there 
be  a  like  increase  of  our  generosity.  If  our  re- 
sources diminish,  we  beseech  thee  to  save  us  from 
the  sin  of  beginning  our  economy  at  thy  Church. 
Help  us  to  reduce  our  personal  comforts  and  gratifi- 
cations, and  to  make  ready  sacrifices  for  the  sake  of 
giving  toward  the  spread  of  thy  kingdom  and  the 
salvation  of  men  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

O  Heavenly  Father,  who  openest  thine  hand  and 
fillest    all    things     living    with    plenteousness ;     We 


112  MISSIONAKV    I'RAVERS. 

glorify  thy  holy  Name  for  thy  loving  care  of  us 
thine  unworthy  children.  May  a  grateful  sense  of 
thy  mercy  and  pity  move  us  to  love  thee  truly,  and 
to  offer  to  the  service  of  thy  kingdom,  prayerfully, 
intelligently,  and  generously  of  the  earthly  treasures 
which  thou  hast  committed  to  our  hands  :  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

Almighty  Saviour,  who  art  ascended  to  the  right 
hand  of  the  Father,  and  hast  poured  forth  the  mani- 
fold gifts  of  the  Spirit  upon  thy  Church  ;  Dispose 
thy  people  faithfully  to  use  all  that  thou  givest  them 
in  the  furtherance  of  thy  kingdom  ;  for  the  glory  of 
thy  Name,  who  livest  and  reignest  with  the  Father 
and  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  forever  and  ever. 
Amen. 

Almighty  God,  who  alone  art  the  Author  and 
Giver  of  all  good  things  ;  Grant  unto  thy  people  a 
willing  mind,  that  of  all  thou  givest  them  they  may 
surely  give  a  tenth  to  thee,  and  may  offer  to  thee 
free-will  offerings,  with  an  holy  worship  ;  that  so, 
proving  thee  according  to  thy  holy  Word,  thou 
mayest  open  the  windows  of  heaven  and  pour  out 
the  fulness  of  thy  blessing  upon  thy  Church,  for  his 
sake  who  gave  himself  a  sacrifice  for  the  sins  of  the 
world  ;  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  builder  and  maker  of  the 
city  which  hath  foundations,  preserve  thy  Church, 
we  entreat  thee,  by  thine  almighty  power.  Let  her 
walls  be  salvation  and  her  gates  praise  ;  let  her  be 
all-glorious  within,  by  the  indwelling  of  the  Holy 
Ghost ;  let  her  raiment  be  of  wrought  gold,  even  of 
the  alms,  precious  self-denying  gifts  and  free-will 
offerings  of  thy  ransomed  people ;  through  thy 
mercy,  O  Lord,  to  whom,  with  the  Father  and  the 
Holy  Ghost,  be  endless  praises.     Amen 


PRAYERS   FOR    THE    CHURCH.  113 

Prayers  for  the  Cburcb 
and  tbe  Clergy. 

Prayers  for  the  Church  throughout 
THE  World. 

O  eternal  God  and  merciful  Father,  we  humbly 
pray  for  thy  holy  Church  throughout  the  world,  that 
it  being  purged  from  false  philosophy  and  vain 
deceit,  we  may  live  and  act  as  befits  the  members  of 
the  mystical  Body  of  thy  Son,  and  in  the  end  be 
found  acceptable  unto  thee ;  through  the  same  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  gracious  Father,  we  humbly  beseech  thee,  for 
thy  Holy  Catholic  Church,  that  thou  wouldest  be 
pleased  to  fill  it  with  all  truth  in  all  peace.  Where 
it  is  corrupt,  purify  it  ;  where  it  is  in  error,  direct  it  ; 
where  in  anything  it  is  amiss,  reform  it ;  where  it  is 
right,  strengthen  it ;  where  it  is  in  want,  provide  for 
it ;  where  it  is  divided,  make  up  the  breaches  of  it, 
for  the  sake  of  him  who  died  and  rose  again,  and 
ever  maketh  intercession  for  it,  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

Defend  thy  Church,  O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee, 
with  thy  continual  help,  that  we  may  be  enabled 
hereafter  to  triumph  over  every  outward  enemy, 
having  here  prevailed  over  every  error  that  makes 
war  within  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  hast  revealed 
thy  glory,  by  Christ,  among  all  nations,  preserve  the 
works  of  thy  mercy  ;  that  thy  Church,  which  is 
spread  throughout  the  world,  may  persevere  with 
stedfast  faith  in  the  confession  of  thy  Name ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


Prayers  for  Church  Councils. 


At  a  Council  or  Conference  of  Bishops. 

O  Lord  God  Almighty,  Father  of  Lights,  and 
Fountain  of  all  Wisdom  ;  We  humbly  beseech  thee 
that  thy  Holy  Spirit  may  lead  into  all  truth  thy 
servants  the  bishops  now  [to  be]  gathered  together 
in  thy  Name.  Grant  them  grace  to  think  and  do 
such  things  as  shall  tend  most  to  thy  glory  and 
the  good  of  thy  holy  Church  ;    direct   and  prosper, 


114  PRAYKKS    FOR    THE    CHIKCH. 

we  pray  thee,  all  their  consultations,  and  further 
them  with  thy  continual  help,  that  the  true  Catholic 
and  Apostolic  Faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints 
being  maintained,  thy  Church  may  serve  thee  in  all 
godly  quietness ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

At  a  Diocesan  or  General  Council. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  by  thy  Holy 
Spirit  didst  preside  in  the  Councils  of  the  blessed 
Apostles,  and  hast  promised,  through  thy  Son  Jesus 
Christ,  to  be  with  thy  Church  to  the  end  of  the 
world ;  We  beseech  thee  to  be  with  the  Council 
of  thy  Church  lu're  assembled  in  thy  Name  and 
Presence.  Save  its  from  all  error,  ignorance,  pride, 
and  prejudice  ;  and  of  thy  great  mercy  vouchsafe, 
we  beseech  thee,  so  to  direct,  sanctify,  and  gov- 
ern lis  in  our  work,  by  the  mighty  power  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  that  the  comfortable  gospel  of  Christ 
may  be  truly  preached,  truly  received,  and  truly 
followed,  in  all  places,  to  the  breaking  down  the 
kingdom  of  sin,  Satan,  and  death;  till  at  length 
the  whole  of  thy  dispersed  sheep,  being  gathered 
into  one  fold,  shall  become  partakers  of  everlasting 
life;  through  the  merits  and  death  of  Jesus  Christ 
our  Saviour.     Amen. 

O  almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  hast  given 
the  Comforter  to  thy  Church,  that  he  should  abide 
with  it  for  ever;  Pour  forth  the  blessing  of  thy 
Spirit  on  our  prelates  and  pastors  now  assembled  in 
thy  Name  ;  defend  their  hearts  from  all  hindrances 
of  this  world,  and  from  all  earthly  feeling.  Grant 
them  abundantly  stedfastness  of  faith,  purity  of 
love,  sincere  desire  for  peace,  and  firmness  of 
authority,  that  they,  by  the  help  of  thy  Son  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord,  may  both  rule  thy  flock  committed 
to  their  care,  according  to  thy  will,  and  may  also, 
together  with  their  people,  receive  from  the  great 
Shepherd  and  Bishop  of  us  all  the  rewards  which 
are  promised  to  thy  saints,  and  be  united  to  the 
number  of  thine  elect ;  through  the  same  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


Prayers  for  the  Diocese. 

O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee  to  bless  thy  Church  and 
household  in  our  Diocese.  Grant  to  our  Bishop  a 
holy  zeal  in  thy  service.  By  diligent  discharge  of 
every  duty,  may  he  truly  profit  the  clergy  and  the 
people  over  whcim  he  is  placed  in  thy  Name.  Bless 
all  who  minister  in  holy  things.  May  they,  declar- 
ing all  thy  counsel  and  living  to  thy  glory,  have 
many  souls  as  their  crown  of  rejoicing.  O  thou 
Lord  of  the  harvest,  send  forth  more  laborers  into 
thy    harvest.       Give     to    our   congregations    unity. 


PRAYERS   FOR    THE   CHURCH.  115 

liberality,  zeal  and  holiness.  May  every  parish  look 
not  on  its  own  things  alone  but  also  on  the  things  of 
others.  Graciously  behold  the  families,  the  com- 
municants, and  the  children.  Guide  and  further  all 
who  are  in  any  special  administration  to  order  our 
affairs  and  enlarge  our  borders.  May  we  all  he 
so  joined  together  in  unity  of  spirit,  and  in  the  bond 
of  peace,  that  we  may  be  an  holy  temple  acceptable 
unto  thee  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  Shepherd  and  Bishop  of  our 
souls,  bless,  we  pray  thee,  thy  servants  the  clergy  of 
this  Diocese  ;  Give  them  holiness  and  wisdom  in  their 
hearts  and  words,  that  they  may  faithfully  serve  at 
thine  altars,  and  truly  preach  thy  Word  ;  to  us,  their 
flocks,  give  the  grace  of  humility,  that  we  may  gladly 
obey  them  for  thy  sake  ;  give  us,  also,  peace  and 
love  among  ourselves,  and  purity  in  our  lives;  and 
so  may  we  all,  both  priests  and  people,  be  found 
meet,  at  thy  coming,  to  receive  thine  eternal  re- 
wards; who  livest  and  reignest  God,  world  without 
end.      Amen. 


Prayers  for  the  Bishop 
OF  THE  Diocese. 

O  Lord  God,  Father  Almighty,  who  by  the  un- 
speakable bounty  of  thy  grace  alone,  hast  appointed 
thy  servant  to  rule  over  this  Diocese  ;  Grant  him, 
we  beseech  thee,  by  the  grace  of  thy  Holy  Spirit, 
fitly  to  discharge  the  ministry  of  the  priestly  office 
before  thee,  duly  to  dispense  the  Sacraments  of  the 
Church,  and  worthily  to  govern  the  flock  entrusted 
to  him,  to  the  glory  of  thy  holy  Name ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  God,  the  Pastor  and  Ruler  of  thy  faithful 
servants  ;  Look  down  in  mercy  on  thy  servant,  our 
Bishop,  to  whom  thou  hast  given  charge  of  this 
Diocese,  and  evermore  guide,  defend,  comfort, 
sanctify,  and  save  him  ;  and  grant  him  by  thy  grace 
so  to  advance  in  word  and  good  example,  that  he 
may  with  the  flock  committed  to  him,  attain  to  ever- 
lasting life;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


Prayers  for  a  Clerical  Retreat. 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  given  to  thy  Church 
pastors  and  teachers  for  the  guidance  of  thy  people  ; 
Grant  us  grace  to  be  faithful  stewards  of  the  mys- 
teries of  thy  kingdom.  Make  us  diligent  in  the  study 
of  thy  Word,  and  incline  us  to  seek  frequently  places 
of  retirement  for  holy  meditation  and  prayer.  Sepa- 
rate us  from  the  contaminations  of  the  world,  and 


116  PKAYERS   FOR    THE    CHURCH. 

give  us  patience,  lowliness  of  heart,  watchfulness, 
zeal,  and  all  other  things  that  contribute  to  holiness 
of  life.  Inspire  us  with  a  love  for  the  souls  of  men, 
and  strengthen  our  efforts  for  their  salvation.  We 
ask  all  through  him  who  came  to  seek  and  save 
the  lost,  thy  Son,  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  God,  who  hast  given  us  thine  only-begotten  Son 
to  be  our  High  Priest,  and  hast  joined  unto  him 
other  priests  to  be  his  ministers  to  make  a  pure 
sacrifice  unto  thee;  Grant  that  we  who  have  been 
counted  worthy  of  this  holy  calling,  may  devoutly 
serve  at  thine  altar,  and  present  ourselves  as  a  pure 
and  living  offering  ;  through  the  same  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  didst  say  to  thy  dis- 
ciples, Come  ye  apart  into  a  desert  place  and  rest 
awhile;  Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  to  thy  servants  now 
gathered  together,  so  to  seek  thee  whom  our  souls 
desire  to  love,  that  we  may  both  find  thee  and  be 
found  of  thee,  and  grant  such  love  and  such  wisdom 
to  accompany  the  words  which  shall  be  spoken  in 
thy  Name,  that  they  may  not  fall  to  the  ground, 
but  may  be  helpful  in  leading  us  onward  through 
the  toils  of  our  pilgrimage  to  that  rest  which  re- 
maineth,  where,  nevertheless,  they  rest  not  day  nor 
night  from  thy  perfect  service,  who  livest  and  reign- 
est  God  for  ever  and  ever.      Amen. 


Prayers  for    Church  Unity. 

O  God,  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  our 
only  Saviour,  the  Prince  of  Peace  ;  Give  us  grace 
seriously  to  lay  to  heart  the  great  dangers  we  are  in 
by  our  unhappy  divisions.  Take  away  all  hatred 
and  prejudice,  and  whatsoever  else  may  hinder  us 
from  godly  union  and  concord  ;  that,  as  there  is  but 
one  Body,  and  one  Spirit,  and  one  hope  of  our  call- 
ing, one  Lord,  one  Faith,  one  Baptism,  one  God  and 
Father  of  us  all.  so  we  may  henceforth  be  all  of  one 
heart,  and  of  one  soul,  united  in  one  holy  bond  of 
truth  and  peace,  of  faith  and  charity,  and  may  with 
one  mind  and  one  mouth  glorify  thee  ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  God,  who  art  one  God,  yet  Three  Persons, 
blessed  for  evermore,  who  hast  called  us  to  glorif)' 
thee  in  one  Body  in  thy  only-begotten  Son ;  We 
earnestly  pray  iheie  for  the  restoration  of  visible 
unity  of  worship  and  communion  between  the 
divided  members  of  the  Catholic  Church,  both  east 
and  west;  and  that  all  who  confess  thy  holy  Name, 
and  are  called  Christians,  may  be  re-united,  as  at 
the  beginning,  "in  the  Apostles'  doctrine,  and  the 
fellowship,  and  in  the  breaking  of  the  Bread,  and  in 
the  Pra>ers."  Remove,  we  beseech  thee,  from  us,  and 
from  all  others,  whatsoever  may  hinder  or  delay  this 


PRAYERS   FOR    THE    CHURCH.  117 

blessed  re-union,  all  suspicions,  prejudices,  hard 
thoughts  and  judgments;  endue  us  with  such  ardent 
love  toward  thee,  and  toward  each  other,  that  we  may 
be  one  in  heart,  even  as  thou.  Lord,  art  one  with  the 
Father,  to  whom  in  the  unity  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be 
all  praise, 'glory  and  thanksgiving  for  ever  and  ever. 
Amen. 

Almighty  God,  who  didst  send  thy  only-begotten 
Son  into  the  world,  that  he  might  draw  all  men  unto 
him  ;  Gather  again,  we  beseech  thee,  thy  scattered 
people  into  one  communion  and  fellowship,  that  the 
world  may  believe  that  thou  hast  sent  him  and  thy 
kingdom  come ;  through  the  same  thy  Son  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  almighty  God,  who  hast  built  thy  Church  upon 
the  foundation  of  the  Apostles  and  Prophets,  Jesus 
Christ  himself  being  the  chief  corner-stone  ;  Grant 
that,  by  the  operation  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  all  Chris- 
tians may  be  so  joined  together  in  unity  of  spirit,  and 
in  the  bond  of  peace,  that  they  may  be  an  holy 
temple  acceptable  unto  thee.  And  especially  to  this 
Congregation  present,  give  the  abundance  of  thy 
grace;  that  with  one  heart  they  may  desire  the  pros- 
perity of  thy  holy  Apostolic  Church,  and  with  one 
mouth  may  profess  the  faith  once  delivered  to  the 
Saints.  Defend  them  from  the  sins  of  heresy  and 
schism ;  let  not  the  foot  of  pride  come  nigh  to  hurt 
them,  nor  the  hand  of  the  ungodly  to  cast  them 
down.  And  grant  that  the  course  of  this  world  may 
be  so  peaceably  ordered  by  thy  governance,  that  thy 
Church  may  joyfully  serve  thee  in  all  godly  quiet- 
ness ;  that  so  they  may  walk  in  the  ways  of  truth 
and  peace,  and  at  last  be  numbered  with  thy  saints 
in  glory  everlasting  ;  through  thy  merits,  O  blessed 
Jesus,  thou  gracious  Bishop  and  Shepherd  of  our 
souls,  who  art  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost 
one  God,  world  without  end.      Amen. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  saidst  unto  thine 
Apostles,  Peace  I  leave  with  you,  my  peace  I  give 
unto  you  ;  Regard  not  our  sins,  but  the  faith  of  thy 
Church,  and  grant  to  her  that  peace  and  unity 
which  is  agreeable  to  thy  will ;  who  livest  and  reign- 
est  God  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 


118  PRAYERS    FOR    THE    PARISH. 

Prayers  for  the  Parish  and 
Parish  Organizations. 

Prayers  for  the  Parish. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  dost  govern 
all  things  in  heaven  and  earth,  mercifully  hear  our 
prayers,  and  grant  to  this  parish  all  things  needful 
to  its  spiritual  and  temporal  welfare.  Bless  him 
who  ministers  to  us  in  holy  things,  and  grant  that 
his  work  may  be  accompanied  with  the  demon- 
stration of  the  Spirit  and  of  power.  Bless  our 
Sunday  School,  and  may  both  teachers  and  scholars 
be  taught  of  thee.  Help  thy  people  to  give  abund- 
antly of  their  means  according  to  their  ability  and 
opportunity.  Strengthen  and  confirm  the  faithful, 
visit  and  relieve  the  sick,  turn  and  soften  the  wicked, 
arouse  the  careless,  recover  the  fallen,  and  restore 
the  penitent.  Remove  every  hindrance  to  the  ad- 
vancement of  thy  truth,  and  bring  us  all  to  be  of  one 
heart  and  mind  within  the  fold  of  thy  holy  Church, 
to  the  honor  and  glory  of  thy  Name  ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

O  Father  of  mercies  and  God  of  all  grace,  in 
whose  hands  are  the  hearts  of  men  ;  Pour  down, 
we  beseech  thee,  on  this  parish  the  healthful  dew  of 
thy  blessing.  Give  power  and  success  to  the  minis- 
tration of  thy  Word  and  Sacraments,  and  prosper 
every  design  consistent  with  thy  will  for  the  spiritual 
or  temporal  welfare  of  thy  people.  Convert  the 
sinful,  reclaim  the  erring,  instruct  the  ignorant, 
strengthen  the  weak-hearted,  and  make  true  piety 
and  virtue  to  abound  and  flourish  among  us.  ^lake 
the  rich  liberal,  and  the  poor  patient;  relieve  and 
succor  the  sick  and  afflicted,  and  give  thankfulness 
to  the  prosperous  and  happy.  Grant  that  we  may 
be  all  knit  together  in  the  bond  of  Christian  love, 
that  we  may  dwell  together  in  unity,  and  finally 
meet  in  thine  eternal  kingdom  ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.      Amen. 

O  God,  Holy  Ghost,  Sanctifier  of  the  faithful  ; 
Visit,  we  pray  thee,  the  members  of  this  parish  with 
thy  love  and  favor;  enlighten  their  minds  more  and 
more  with  the  light  of  the  everlasting  gospel  ;  graft 
in  their  hearts  the  love  of  thy  Name  ;  increase  in 
them  true  religion  ;  make  them  to  delight  to  visit 
thy  holy  temple  and  to  behold  thy  fair  beauty  ; 
strengthen  the  weak  in  faith  ;  reclaim  all  wandering 
and  careless  communicants  ;  preserve  our  families 
in  peace  and  concord  ;  cherish  our  infants;  instruct 
our  youth ;  sustain  the  aged  ;  comfort  the  feeble- 
minded ;  convert  the  ungodly  ;  gather  thy  dispersed 
children  and   unite  them   to  thy  hoi)-.  Catholic  and 


PRAYERS   FOR   THE    PARISH.  119 

Apostolic  Church  ;  nourish  them  with  all  goodness 
and  of  thy  great  mercy  keep  them  in  the  same ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

■    For  a  Parish  in  Debt. 

Almighty  God,  who  has  taught  us  that  we  are  to 
owe  no  man  anything,  in  mercy  deliver  us  from  the 
debt  now  resting  upon  this  parish.  Give  us  the 
grace  of  self-denial,  to  enable  us  to  contribute 
generously  of  our  means,  and  bless  the  Church 
work  in  which  we  engage  to  pay  the  debt  ;  but  above 
all,  as  the  Israelites  in  Egyptian  bondage  cried  to 
thee  for  deliverance,  make  us  to  rely  on  thee  for 
deliverance  from  this  and  all  other  debts,  through 
the  merits  of  him  who  died  to  ransom  us  from 
the  power  of  the  grave,  our  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 

For  the  Endowment  of  a  Parish. 

Almighty  God,  the  source  of  all  our  blessings,  and 
the  author  of  every  good,  we  commend  to  thy  favor, 
our  parish  in  this  time  of  its  need.  Be  pleased  to 
encourage  and  strengthen  every  effort  for  its  endow- 
ment. If  we  possess  little  may  we  give  of  that  little 
for  the  upbuilding  of  thy  Holy  Church.  If  thou 
hast  bestowed  abundantly  upon  us  the  things  of  this 
life,  may  we  give  abundantly,  so  that  having  a  keen 
sense  of  our  accountability,  and  making  a  wise  use 
of  our  stewardship,  we  shall  at  last  obtain  the 
enduring  riches  of  thy  heavenly  kingdom.  We  ask 
it  in  the  Name  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

For  an  nnfinished  CJiurch. 

O  Heavenly  Father,  who  art  the  author  of  every 
good  thought  and  deed,  the  only  giver  of  health  and 
wealth,  and  in  whose  hand  are  the  hearts  of  all  men, 
as  thou  hast  put  it  into  our  mind  to  build  to  thee 
a  holy  and  beautiful  house,  so  give  us  courage  and 
strength  to  finish  the  work  which  we  have  under- 
taken. Open  our  hearts  and  hands  that  we  may 
gladly  give  thee  of  thine  own.  Hasten  the  time 
when  this  building  completed,  and  freed  from  every 
debt,  shall  be  consecrated  to  thy  service  forever. 
Make  this  Church  an  abiding  place  of  thine  honor,  a 
bond  of  unity  and  peace  to  thy  people,  and  a  gate  of 
heaven.  As  thy  servants  build  and  give  to  thee,  so 
build  thou  in  them  thy  spiritual  temple  and  fill  it 
with  thy  presence  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


At  the  Restoration  of  a  ChiircJi. 

O  God,  who  didst  put  into  the  heart  of  thy  prophet 
Ezra,  to  rebuild  thy  temple  ;  We  thank  thee  that 
thou  hast  blessed  our  endeavor  in  the  restoration  of 
this  Church.  Abide  in  it  evermore,  and  make  it  a 
place  of  spiritual  joy  and  peace  to  countless  souls  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


120  PRAYERS    FOR    THE    PARISH. 


At  the  AnHWt'j'sary  of  a  Parish. 

O  God,  who  year  by  year  renewest  the  conse- 
cration day  of  this  thy  holy  temple,  and  bringest  us 
again  in  safety  to  thy  holy  mysteries ;  Hear  the 
prayers  of  thy  people,  and  grant  that  whosoever 
entereth  this  temple  to  offer  his  petitions,  may 
rejoice  in  their  fulfilment ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord,  who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  thee  and  the 
Holy  Ghost,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


Prayers  for  the  Rector 
OF  THE  Parish. 

O  most  gracious  God,  let  thy  blessing  rest  upon 
thy  servant,  the  Rector  of  this  parish.  Grant  him 
by  the  special  help  of  thy  grace  to  be  holy  in  his  life, 
to  be  zealous  in  his  work,  and  to  minister  to  thy 
people  according  to  thy  will.  We  ask  it  for  the  sake 
of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  Lord,  our  heavenly  Father,  almighty,  ever- 
lasting God  ;  Vouchsafe  to  bless  thy  servant,  the 
Rector  of  this  parish,  Make  him  as  thy  messenger, 
energetic  and  zealous;  as  thy  watchman,  vigilant  for 
the  great  interest  of  thy  flock  ;  as  thy  steward,  faith- 
ful in  dispensing  those  treasures  of  thy  Word  and 
Sacraments  committed  to  him.  Give  him  fervency 
in  prayer,  and  diligence  in  study.  Give  him 
knowledge  to  be  sound  and  accurate  in  doctrine. 
Give  him  courage  to  maintain  the  truth  boldly,  and 
discretion  to  declare  it  seasonably,  persuasively  and 
effectively.  Grant  that  he  may  do  all  that  lieth  in 
him  to  bring  such  as  are  committed  to  his  charge 
unto  the  knowledge  of  God  \r\  Christ,  that  there  be 
no  place  left  among  them  either  for  error  in  religion, 
or  for  viciousness  of  life.  This  we  beseech  thee, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

For  the  Rector  zvhen  Sick. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  hast  given  to  thy  Church 
pastors  and  teachers,  for  the  perfecting  of  the 
saints,  and  for  the  edifying  of  the  Body  of  Christ, 
who  didst,  when  on  earth,  heal  all  manner  of  sick- 
ness and  disease,  and  art  the  same  yesterday,  to-day, 
and  for  ever;  We  come  unto  thee  in  behalf  of  him 
who  is  appointed  to  minister  in  holy  things  among 
us,  and  who  is  now  laid  on  a  bed  of  sickness.  Have 
mercy,  we  beseech  thee,  on  him  and  on  us  also; 
and,  if  it  be  thy  will,  restore  him  to  his  former 
health  and  strength  ;  and  bless  this  affliction  to  his 
and  to  our  good,  and  to  thy  glory,  for  thy  mercy's 
sake,  our  only  Saviour  and  Redeemer.     Amen. 


PRAYERS   FOR   THE    PARISH.  121 

Prayers  for  a  Parish  without 
A  Rector. 

O  almighty  and  most  gracious  Father,  in  whose 
hands  are  the  hearts  of  men,  and  from  whom  cometh 
every  good  and  perfect  gift  ;  We  pray  thee  to  bestow 
on  this  parish  the  gift  of  a  faithful  minister  of  thy 
Word  and  Sacraments.  Grant  us  one  who  shall 
labor  diligently  for  thee,  to  the  saving  of  those  com- 
mitted to  his  care,  who  shall  be  loving,  but  fearless 
in  reproof,  and  an  example  of  holiness  to  the  flock. 
Vouchsafe,  O  Lord,  that  such  good  works  as  have 
been  undertaken  in  this  place  for  the  promotion  of 
thy  glory  may  be  not  only  carried  on,  but  increased 
in  number  and  efficiency,  for  the  sake  of  thy  dear 
Son  Jesus  Christ,  our  only  Advocate  and  Redeemer. 
Amen. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  dost  govern  all 
things  in  heaven  and  earth,  mercifully  hear  the 
supplications  of  us  thy  servants,  and  of  thy  loving- 
kindness  grant,  we  pray  thee,  a  Priest  to  this  parish, 
who  by  faithfulness  in  teaching  and  holiness  of  life 
may  be  well  pleasing  unto  thee,  and  who  by  watchful- 
ness and  zeal  may  promote  thy  glory  and  the  salvation 
of  souls  ;   through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


Prayers  for  a  Vestry  Meeting. 

Almighty  and  eternal  God,  the  giver  of  grace  and 
strength  ;  We  beseech  thee  to  bestow  thy  blessing 
upon  us,  who  have  been  placed  in  positions  of  trust 
in  thy  holy  Church.  Give  us  a  clear  sense  of  our 
duty,  and  lead  us  to  a  faithful  discharge  of  the  same. 
Grant  us  gentleness,  forbearance,  a  right  judgment 
and  personal  consecration,  that  by  precept  and  ex- 
ample, as  well  as  by  our  official  actions,  the  temporal 
and  spiritual  good  of  thy  Church  may  be  enlarged. 
Especially  direct  us  in  our  counsels  by  thy  gracious 
Spirit,  so  that  all  things  may  be  done  to  the  glory  of 
thy  Name,  and  for  the  unity,  peace,  and  prosperity 
of  this  parish.  We  ask  it  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

Vouchsafe,  O  Lord,  to  these  thy  servants  to  whom 
the  affairs  of  this  parish  .are  committed,  prudence, 
justice,  and  charity,  that  they  may  be  of  one  mind 
and  of  one  heart  in  the  upbuilding  of  thy  Church, 
and  in  the  spread  of  thy  kingdom  ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


122  PRAYERS    FOR    THE    PARISH. 

Prayers  for  Parochial  Missions. 

O  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  we  humbly  pray 
thee,  for  thy  dear  Son's  sake,  to  bless  abundantly  at 
this  time  whatever  efforts  may  be  made  to  turn  the 
hearts  of  thy  children  to  more  sincere  repentance,  and 
more  living  faith.  Give  a  double  portion  of  thy  Holy 
Spirit  to  all  the  Ministers  of  thy  Church  ;  and  more 
especially  to  him  who  now  comes  to  preach  thy 
Word  to  us.  Prepare  all  hearts  to  receive  the  seed 
of  thy  Word.  Grant  that  it  may  take  deep  root,  and 
bring  forth  fruit  to  thy  glory.  Alarm  the  careless 
among  us,  humble  the  self-righteous,  kindle  the  luke- 
warm, soften  the  hardened,  encourage  the  fearful, 
relieve  the  doubting,  and  bring  many  souls  in  loving 
faith  to  thyself;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

Have  mercy,  good  Lord,  on  all  in  this  parish 
during  this  special  season  of  prayer  and  consecration. 
Let  thy  Spirit  be  poured  out  among  us;  the  Spirit  of 
Light  and  Truth,  to  shed  abroad  in  the  hearts  of  the 
people  holiness,  wisdom,  peace  and  love ;  the  Spirit 
of  grace  and  supplication,  to  teach  them  earnestly  to 
pray  unto  thee.  Let  thy  blessing  rest  on  every  head, 
that  all  may  be  brought  unto  thee  in  faith  and  love ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  promised  to  hear  the 
petitions  of  those  who  ask  in  thy  Son's  Name,  we 
earnestly  beseech  thee  to  send  thy  blessing  upon  the 
Mission  held  among  us.  Give  thy  Holy  Spirit  to  all 
whom  thou  shalt  call  to  proclaim  the  message  of 
salvation,  and  dispose  our  hearts  gladly  to  attend  to 
and  receive  the  same.  Prosper  this  and  every  other 
endeavor  to  extend  the  knowledge  of  thy  Name,  so 
that  thy  glory  may  be  advanced,  and  many  souls  may 
be  won  through  the  merits  and  for  the  sake  of  thy 
blessed  Son  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord,  who  liveth  and 
reigneth  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God, 
world  without  end.     Amen. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  Great  Shepherd  of  the 
sheep,  who  seekest  those  that  are  gone  astray,  bindest 
up  those  that  are  broken,  and  healest  those  that  are 
sick  ;  Bless,  we  beseech  thee,  the  effort  now  being 
made  to  convert  souls  unto  thee.  Open  the  deaf 
ears  of  the  wanderers,  that  they  may  hear  the  words 
which  belong  unto  their  salvation  ;  and  grant  that 
those  whom  thou  dost  raise  to  newness  of  life,  may 
through  thy  grace  persevere  unto  the  end  :  of  thy 
mercy,  O  our  God,  who  art  blessed,  and  livest  with 
the  Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  with- 
out end.      Amen. 


Prayers  with  the  Choir. 

Before  the  Proeessio/ial. 

Almighty  God,  whose  eyes  are  upon  all  our  ways ; 
We  beseech    thee  to  bless  us  as  we  enter  upon  the 


PRAYERS   FOR   THE    PARISH.  123 

worship  of  thy  Church.  Help  us  to  remember  the 
sacredness  of  this  place,  and  the  solemnity  of  our 
duties.  Keep  us  from  wandering  thoughts,  worldly 
desires,  and  all  irreverence.  Kindle  within  us  an 
increasing  love  of  prayer  and  praise,  and  may  the 
words  we  sing  impress  our  hearts  and  influence 
our  lives  ;   through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,      Amen. 

O  thou  who  art  the  true  light  of  faithful  souls, 
and  perfect  brightness  of  the  blessed  ;  Grant  that 
our  hearts  may  render  unto  thee  thanksgiving  and 
always  glorify  thee  with  the  offering  of  praise ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Almighty  God,  who  art  worshipped  by  the  heavenly 
host  with  hymns  that  are  never  silent,  and  with 
thanksgivings  that  never  cease  ;  Fill  our  mouths  with 
thy  praise,  that  we  may  magnify  thy  holy  Name  ; 
and  grant  us,  with  all  those  that  fear  thee  and  keep 
thy  commandments,  to  be  partakers  of  the  inherit- 
ance of  thy  saints  in  light  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord,  to  whom,  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all 
glory,  honor,  and  worship,  now  and  forever.      Amen. 

Fill  us,  heavenly  Father  with  the  true  spirit  of 
praise,  that  the  worship  we  render  unto  thee  may  be 
acceptable  in  thy  sight,  and  bring  lasting  joy  and 
peace  to  our  hearts  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

O  God,  open  thou  our  lips  and  purify  our  hearts, 
that  we  may  fitly,  reverently,  and  devoutly  join  in 
this  service,  and  worthily  magnify  thy  holy  Name  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

After  the  Recessional. 

Grant,  O  God,  that  what  we  have  said  and  sung 
with  our  lips  we  may  believe  in  our  hearts,  and  what 
we  believe  in  our  hearts  we  may  shew  forth  in  our 
lives  ;   through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

Accept,  O  God  and  Father,  the  praises  we  have 
offered  thee  this  day,  and  may  they  be  sanctified  to 
thy  glory,  and  our  eternal  good  ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.      Amen. 

Gracious  Father,  make  permanent  the  lessons  we 
have  heard  in  this  house  devoted  to  thy  honor  and 
glory.  May  we  go  away  wiser  and  better  than  when 
we  came,  and  serve  thee  in  songs  of  gladness  all  our 
days.  We  ask  it  through  our  only  Advocate  and 
Redeemer,  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

Almighty  God,  grant  that  we  who  have  been  per- 
mitted to  sing  thy  praises  here,  may  through  thy  grace 
hereafter  sing  the  songs  of  redemption  before  thy 
throne  ;  through  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 

For  the  increase  of  the  Ministry. 

O  heavenly  Father,  thou  Lord  of  the  harvest ;  We 
commend  to  thy  love  and  protection,  these  thy  youth- 


124  PRAYERS    FUR    THE    PARISH. 

ful  servants,  engaged  in  the  service  of  song.  If  thou 
hast  need  of  any  of  them  in  the  ministry  of  thy  holy 
Church,  graciously  incline  their  hearts  to  this  sacred 
office.  May  they  count  the  pleasures  and  attractions 
of  the  world  as  nothing,  compared  with  the  joy  and 
blessedness  of  turning  many  souls  to  righteousness. 
We  pray  thee  to  confirm  them  in  all  holy  ways,  and 
if  it  be  thy  blessed  will  make  them  faithful  stewards 
of  thy  mysteries;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

Service   for    Choir    Meetings,    before    and 
after  practice . 

In  the  Name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of 
the  Holy  Ghost.     Amen. 

V.     The  Lord  be  with  you. 

H.     And  with  thy  spirit. 

Let  us  pray  :    Our  Father,  etc. 

V.     O  Lord,  open  thou  our  lips. 

A\      And  our  mouth  shall  show  forth  thy  praise. 

J'.      Let  the  people  praise  thee,  O  God. 

A".     Yea,  let  all  the  people  praise  thee. 

Let  us  pray  :  O  Heavenly  Father,  who  hast  given 
us  a  voice  with  which  to  make  melody  unto  thee, 
teach  us  to  sing  of  thy  loving  kindness  unto  us  ;  and 
help  us  to  serve  thee,  not  only  with  our  lips,  but 
with  our  hearts,  all  the  days  of  our  life  ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Direct  us,  O  Lord,  in  all  our  doings  with  thy  most 
gracious  favor,  and  further  us  with  thy  continual 
help  ;  that  in  all  our  works  begun,  continued,  and 
ended  in  thee,  we  may  glorify  thy  holy  Name; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Ai  tlie  close,  an  evening  hymn  titay  be  snug.      Then  : 

V.     The  Lord  be  with  you. 

R.     And  with  thy  spirit. 

Let  us  pray  :  O  God,  who  didst  call  Samuel  when 
a  child  to  serve  in  thy  holy  temple ;  Be  pleased  to 
accept  the  service  which  we  shall  offer  to  thee  in  thy 
house  ;  and  may  our  words  and  our  thoughts  be  such 
as  thou  approvest ;    for  Jesus  Christ's  sake.     Amen. 

V.     I  will  always  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord. 

R.     His  praise  shall  ever  be  in  my  mouth. 

Let  us  pray  :  O  Heavenly  Father,  who  hast  taught 
us  to  go  into  thy  house  and  sing  praise  unto  thee; 
Help  us  to  tell  of  thy  love  with  heart  and  voice,  until 
we  sing  the  new  song  in  the  company  of  those  who 
serve  and  praise  thee  continually  in  th)^  heavenly 
courts;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

/'.      Let  us  depart  in  peace.     Amen. 


Prayers  for  the  Sunday  School. 

For  tlic  Siipcrijitoidoit. 

Almighty  God,  who  didst  teach  the  hearts  of  thy 
faithful  people,  by  sending  to  them  the  light  of  thy 


PRAYERS   FOR   THE    PARISH.  .  125 

Holy  Spirit;  Grant  to  the  Superintendent  of  this 
school  by  the  same  Spirit  to  have  a  right  judgment  in 
all  things  ;  may  he  know  perfectly  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ 
to  be  the  way,  the  truth,  and  the  life;  leave  him  not 
destitute  of  thy  manifold  gifts,  nor  yet  of  grace  to 
use  them  always  to  thy  honor  and  glory  ;  and  enable 
him  to  lead  the  lambs  of  thy  flock  committed  to  him 
for  instruction,  in  the  way  that  leadeth  to  everlasting 
life  ;  through  the  same,  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

O  God,  without  whose  illumination  and  guidance 
we  cannot  please  thee  ;  Withhold  not  thy  help  from 
those  who  occupy  places  of  trust  in  thy  holy  Church. 
Bless  especially  him  who  has  been  called  to  direct 
the  interests  of  these  children.  Give  him  plente- 
ously  of  thy  Spirit,  that  he  may  be  earnest,  faithful, 
and  zealous.  May  he  rule  with  gentleness  and  firm- 
ness, and  so  shape  the  lives  of  those  committed  to 
his  care  that  they  may  become  the  instruments  of 
thy  glory  ;    through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

For  the  Teachers. 

Almighty  God,  we  pray  thee  to  bestow  upon  the 
teachers  of  this  school  that  wisdom  which  cometh 
from  above.  Give  them  an  abiding  love  for  thy 
holy  word,  and  may  thy  blessed  Spirit  help  them  in 
communicating  thy  truth  to  others.  May  they  be 
kind,  patient,  and  tender  toward  the  lambs  of  thy 
flock,  leading  them  by  precept  and  example  to  love 
him  who  came  to  seek  and  save  the  lost.  We  ask  it 
through  the  same,  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

Almighty  God,  the  giver  of  every  good  and  perfect 
gift ;  We  beseech  thee  to  regard  with  thy  love  and 
blessing  those  who  are  here  engaged  in  the  in- 
struction of  youth.  Give  them  a  deep  sense  of  their 
responsibilities,  and  may  they  come  to  the  special 
duties  of  this  place  with  careful  preparation  of  mind 
and  heart.  Give  them  the  spirit  of  prayer  and  faith 
and  of  thorough  consecration.  Sustain  them  under 
any  discouragements,  and  gladden  them  with  the 
consciousness  that  they  are  directing  the  young  in 
the  paths  of  peace  and  righteousness.  This  we  ask 
for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  child  born  unto  us ; 
Grant,  we  entreat  thee,  that  in  memory  of  thy  holy 
infancy,  and  of  the  love  thou  bearest  to  thy  little 
ones,  all  children  may  be  sacred  in  our  eyes.  Make 
us  heedful  not  to  offend  one  of  thy  little  ones  ;  help 
parents  with  much  patience  to  correct  their  children 
in  love  ;  make  our  infants  holy  Innocents,  and  teach 
us  ourselves  to  become  as  little  children  ;  to  the 
honor  of  thy  Name,  who  livest  and  reignest  with 
the  Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world 
without  end.      Amen. 

We  beseech  thee,  O  blessed  Saviour,  to  help  us  in 
the  work  we  are  doing  for  thee,  in  teaching  thy  little 
ones  to  know  thy  love  and  to  live  for  thee,  and  help 
them  to  learn  according  to  thy  will.     Give  us  thy 


126         PR  A  VERS  KOK  THE  PARISH. 

Holy  Spirit,  that  we  may  really  feel  the  depth  of  thy 
love  and  the  happiness  of  a  holy  life,  and  so  may 
teach  others  both  by  word  and  example.  When 
thou  shalt  call  us  to  account  for  our  work,  may  we 
do  it  with  joy  ;  and  may  both  teachers  and  scholars 
meet  hereafter,  to  live  with  thee  for  ever  and  ever, 
who  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost  art  one 
God,  world  without  end.      Amen. 

For  the  Childroi. 

Gracious  Saviour,  we  pray  thee  to  look  with  favor 
upon  the  children  of  our  Sunday  School,  and  grant 
that  the  instruction  they  receive  may  be  to  thy  glory 
and  their  welfare  and  happiness.  Make  them  to  be 
obedient  to  their  parents  and  teachers,  and  diligent 
in  all  their  duties.  May  they  grow  in  grace  and  in 
the  knowledge  of  thyself,  that  so  they  may  be  useful 
in  their  generation,  and  finally  be  received  into  thy 
heavenly  kingdom,  there  to  dwell  with  thee  and  the 
Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost  for  ever  and  ever. 
Amen. 

Merciful  Father,  we  entreat  thee  to  strengthen  in 
these  children  all  things  that  are  good,  and  save 
them  from  all  things  that  are  evil.  Drive  from 
their  hearts  every  corrupting  thought,  and  keep 
their  lips  from  idle,  impure  and  unseemly  words. 
Preserve  them  from  evil  companions,  and  deliver 
them  from  the  temptations  of  youth.  Bring  them  to 
true  repentance,  and  help  them  to  forsake  their  sins. 
May  they  love  and  reverence  thy  house,  delighting 
in  its  prayers  and  praises  and  early  heeding  its 
messages  of  salvation.  As  they  grow  in  years  may 
they  rejoice  more  and  more  in  doing  thy  will,  and  in 
walking  in  the  way  of  thy  commandments.  Hear 
us,  we  beseech  thee,  in  the  Name  of  thy  Son  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Blessed  Jesus,  who  hast  said,  Suffer  the  little 
children  to  come  unto  me  and  forbid  them  not ; 
Grant  that  these  children  may  hear  thy  gentle  voice 
and  gladly  and  faithfully  serve  thee  all  the  days  of 
their  life.  Be  thou  their  Ruler  and  Guide,  their 
Friend,  Mediator  and  Redeemer.  And  thy  Name 
with  that  of  the  Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost  shall 
have  all  the  glory  and  honor  for  ever  and  ever. 
Amen. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  wast  subject  unto  thy 
parents;  Give,  we  pray  thee,  to  all  cliildren  grace 
after  thine  example  reverently  to  love  their  parents, 
and  lovingly  to  obey  them.  Teach  us  all  that  filial 
duty  never  ends  or  lessens:  and  bless  all  parents  in 
their  children,  and  all  children  in  their  parents; 
hear  us,  O  Saviour,  who  with  the  Father  and  the 
Holy  Ghost  livest  and  reignest  one  God,  world 
without  end.      Amen. 

O  God  of  Abraham,  God  of  Isaac,  God  of  Jacob; 
Bless  these  thy  children,  and  sow  the  seed  of  eternal 
life  in  their  hearts  ;  that  whatsoever  in  thy  holy 
Word  thev  shall  profitably  learn,  they  may  in  deed 
fulfil  the    same.       Look,   O    Lord,   mercifully    upon 


PRAYERS    FOR   THE    PARISH.  127 

them  from  heaven,  and  bless  them,  that  they  obeying 
thy  will,  and  always  being  in  safety  under  thy  pro- 
tection, may  abide  in  thy  love  unto  their  lives'  end; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

Almighty  and  most  merciful  Father,  bless,  we 
humbly  beseech  thee,  the  children  of  this  school 
with  healthful  bodies  and  good  understandings,  with 
the  graces  and  gifts  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  and  with 
sweet  dispositions  and  holy  habits.  May  thy  mercy 
and  thy  providence  lead  them  through  all  the 
dangers  and  temptations  of  this  evil  world,  and 
sanctify  them  wholly  in  their  bodies,  souls  and 
spirits,  and  keep  them  unblamable  unto  the  coming 
of  our  Lord  and  Sav-iour  Jesus  Christ.      Amen. 

O  Lord  God,  giver  of  heavenly  increase,  who  by 
thy  Spirit's  might  dost  confirm  the  first  efforts  of 
feeble  souls  ;  Encourage  in  the  hearts  of  these  thy 
children  everv  good  intent,  and  carry  them  from 
strength  to  strength.  Cleanse  their  consciences,  and 
stir  their  wills  gladly  to  serve  thee,  the  living  God. 
Leave  no  room  in  them  for  spiritual  wickedness,  no 
lurking  place  for  secret  sins ;  but  so  establish  and 
sanctifv  them  bv  the  power  of  thv  holy  Word,  that, 
evermore  taking  heed  unto  the  thing  that  is  right, 
and  speaking  and  doing  the  truth,  thev  may  find 
godliness  their  gain  both  in  the  life  w^hich  now  is, 
and  in  that  which  is  to  come;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 


For  the  Work  of  the  School, 

Almighty  God,  bless,  we  beseech  thee,  the  work  of 
this  school,  that  it  maybe  to  thy  glory,  and  that  what- 
soever we  do,  we  may  do  it  heartilv  as  unto  thee. 
Give  thy  blessing  to  those  who  teach,  that  they  may 
Jae  wise  and  patient,  and  ever  concerned  for  the  salva- 
tion of  their  scholars  ;  and  to  those  who  learn,  gi\e  thy 
grace  that  they  may  increase  in  the  knowledge  of  all 
good  things,  and  in  the  love  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ,  to  whom,  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Spirit, 
be  praise  and  glor}'  now  and  forever.     Amen. 

For  neglected  Children. 

Regard,  O  Lord  God,  with  thy  mercy  all  destitute 
and  neglected  children,  who  live  in  homes  of  vice, 
where  thy  Word  is  never  read,  and  the  voice  of  prayer 
is  never  heard.  Raise  up  friends,  we  pray  thee,  who 
will  seek  them  out,  and  bring  them  within  the 
blessed  influences  and  holy  instruction  of  thy 
Church,  that  they  may  know  thee,  and  walk  in  the 
way  of  eternal  life  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

For  the  increase  of  the  Ministry. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  didst  call 
Samuel  to  thv  service  in  his  vouth  ;  We  beseech 
thee  to  incline  parents  early  to  consecrate  their  sons 
to  the  ministry  of  reconciliation,  that  thv  holy 
Church    may    be    supplied    with    true    and    faithful 


128  I'KAYKKS   FOR    THE    PARISH. 


Pastors  to  the  glory  of  th\'  Name  and  the  spread  of 
thy  kingdom  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


Prayers  for  the  Young  Men  of  a 
Parish. 

Heavenly  Father,  we  plead  with  thee  especially 
in  behalf  of  young  men.  Thou  knowest  how  critical 
is  the  period  of  life  through  which  they  are  passing, 
and  how  great  are  the  dangers  by  which  the^-  are 
surrounded.  Regard  with  pity  and  compassion 
those  who  need  so  much  th}-  care.  Those  who  are 
living  godless  lives,  pluck  as  brands  from  the  burn- 
ing. May  thy  Holy  Spirit  show  them  the  sinfulness 
of  their  hearts,  and  lead  them  to  him  whose  blood 
cleanseth  from  all  sin.  Those  who  are  trying  to 
serve  thee,  build  up  more  and  more  in  faith.  Protect 
them  in  time  of  danger.  Strengthen  them  in  time 
of  temptation,  and  give  them  wisdom  in  times  of 
uncertainty  and  doubt.  May  they  put  on  the  whole 
armor  of  God,  that  so  thej^  may  overcome  the 
wicked  one,  and  finally  receive  the  crown  of  life 
which  thou  hast  promised  to  those  who  are  faithful 
unto  death.     We  ask  it  for  Christ's  sake.     Amen. 

Quicken,  O  Lord  God,  in  the  hearts  of  young  men 
the  spirit  of  devotion.  May  they  gladly  seek  the 
services  and  duties  of  thy  hoh'  Church,  and  by 
their  example  and  zeal  lead  others  to  the  same 
privileges.  Strengthen  them  in  all  good  habits,  and 
make  their  lives  useful  and  happ^- ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Almighty  God,  whose  blessed  Son  didst  take  our 
nature  upon  him,  leaving  us  an  example  that  we 
should  follow  his  steps ;  Look  graciousU*  with  thy 
favor  upon  all  young  men,  and  make  them  to  grow 
in  wisdom  and  stature  and  in  favor  with  thee  their 
God.  Give  them  grace  to  remember  thee  now  in  the 
days  of  their  youth,  and  to  consecrate  their  strength 
to  thy  service  ;  preserve  them  from  the  sins  which 
easily  beset  them,  and  deliver  them  out  of  all 
temptations ;  keep  them  pure  in  heart,  upright  in 
life,  and  diligent  in  the  work  to  which  they  have 
been  called.  Looking  unto  Jesus,  the  author  and 
finisher  of  their  faith,  may  thej^  go  from  strength 
to  strength  and  at  last,  having  finished  their  course 
and  kept  the  faith,  receive  from  thee  the  crown  of  life 
that  fadeth  not  away  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


Prayers  for  the  Brotherhood 
OF  Saint  Andrew. 

O  almighty  and  eternal  God,  we  humbly  pra^'  thee 
to  vouchsafe  thy  blessing  to  this  Brotherhood,  that 


PRAYERS   FOR   THE   PARISH.  129 

all  its  members  being  inspired  with  lively  faith  and 
love,  ma}'  earnestly  strive  to  promote  the  honor  due 
to  thy  dear  Son,  the  spread  of  his  Church,  and  the 
gathering  of  wanderers  into  the  fold.  Give  us  grace 
to  fulfil,  in  our  lives,  what  we  profess  with  our  lips. 
Deliver  us,  O  God,  from  false  doctrine  and  slackness 
of  living,  and  grant  that,  persevering  unto  the  end, 
we  may  obtain  everlasting  life  ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

Vouchsafe,  we  beseech  thee,  merciful  Lord,  to 
bless  and  prosper  the  work  of  our  Brotherhood. 
Grant  that  we  may  labor  together  for  the  advance- 
ment of  thy  glory  and  the  good  of  thy  holy  Church, 
doing  always  that  which  is  well-pleasing  in  thy  sight. 
Bless  us  in  our  own  souls,  and  make  us  a  blessing  to 
the  souls  of  others,  and  bring  us  at  last  to  thy 
heavenly  kingdom,  and  grant  us  the  reward  which 
thou  hast  promised  to  those  who  turn  many  to 
righteousness ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

God  be  gracious  unto  us,  and  give  us  all  a  heart  to 
serve  him,  and  to  do  his  will  with  a  good  courage 
and  a  sound  mind.     Amen. 

Heavenly  Father,  thou  knowest  the  weakness  and 
cowardliness  of  our  hearts.  Thou  knowest  how  much 
we  care  for  the  opinion  of  men.  Help  us,  we  be- 
seech thee,  to  care  more  for  what  will  please  thee. 
Make  us  strong  and  courageous,  that  we  may  never 
be  afraid  to  do  our  duty.  Give  us  grace  and  courage 
to  speak  when  and  as  we  should.  Let  us  never 
shrink  from  our  duty  through  the  fear  of  man.  Let 
the  love  of  Jesus  fill  our  hearts,  that  in  his  strength 
we  may  be  strong.  Give  us  the  constant  guidance 
and  assistance  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  We  ask  all  in  the 
Name  and  for  the  sake  of  thy  dear  Son  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 


At  the  admission  of  a  new  Member. 

Give  ear,  Lord,  to  our  prayers,  and  vouchsafe  to 
bless  this  thy  servant,  whom  we  have  now  received, 
in  thy  holy  Name,  to  the  companionship  of  the 
Brotherhood  of  St.  Andrew  ;  and  grant  that  by  thy 
grace  he  may  lead  a  godly  life  in  thy  Church,  and, 
laboring  for  the  extension  of  thy  kingdom,  may 
finally  inherit  eternal  life  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.      Amen. 


Prayers  for  the   Boys'   Department  of  the 
Brotherhood  of  Saint  Andrew. 

Heavenly  Father,  have  mercy,  we  beseech  thee, 
upon  our  youth.  Keep  them  continually  under  thy 
protection,  and  direct  them,  according  to  thy 
gracious  favor,  in  the  way  of  everlasting  salvation. 
Assist  them  with  thy  heavenly  help,  that  they  may 
ever  diligently  serve  thee,  and  by  no  temptations  be 
separated  from  thee  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord, 
Amen. 


130         PRAYERS  FOR  THE  PARISH. 

Almighty  and  most  merciful  Father,  whose  paths 
always  lead  to  peace  and  truth  ;  Grant,  we  pray  thee, 
that  the  members  of  this  Brotherhood  may  be  fos- 
tered by  thy  tenderness,  sustained  by  thy  grace,  and 
quickened  to  every  holy  thought  and  deed  in  thy 
service;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 


Prayers  with  a  Confirmation  Class. 

O  eternal  God,  who  didst  send  thy  Holy  Spirit 
upon  thy  Church  on  the  day  of  Pentecost,  and  hast 
promised  that  he  shall  abide  with  it  for  ever;  Grant 
that  the  same  gracious  Spirit  may  be  vouchsafed  to 
these  thy  servants  who  are  about  to  renew  their 
baptismal  vows.  May  he  lead  them  into  all  truth, 
defend  them  from  all  sin,  and  enable  them  to  do  thy 
will ;   through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  that  thy  servants 
may  faithfully  renew  that  vow  which  they  pledged  to 
thee  in  their  baptism,  renouncing  the  devil  and  all 
his  works,  and  firmly  resolving  to  fulfil  the  law  of 
Christ ;  and  vouchsafe  that  they  may  receive  at  thine 
altar  the  pledge  of  that  life  immortal  which  thou 
hast  promised  us,  and  derive  therefrom  continual 
increase  in  the  life  of  holiness  which  they  have 
vowed  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  in  whose  Church 
the  Bishops,  after  the  example  of  the  holy  Apostles, 
in  due  season  lay  their  hands  on  thy  children  and 
bless  them  ;  We  make  our  humble  supplications  unto 
thee  in  behalf  of  all  those  who  are  about  to  receive 
the  holy  rite  of  Confirmation,  that  they  may  shew 
forth  the  fruits  of  their  regeneration  in  a  good  pro- 
fession ;  and,  being  strengthened  with  might  by  thy 
Spirit  in  the  inner  man,  may  be  enabled  to  fulfil  their 
vows,  and  to  grow  up  unto  the  perfection  of  the 
Christian  life  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


Prayers  with  a  Parish  Bible  Class. 

O  gracious  God  and  most  merciful  Father,  who 
hast  vouchsafed  us  the  rich  and  precious  jewel  of 
thy  holy  Word,  convert  us  with  thy  Spirit,  that 
it  may  be  written  in  our  hearts  to  our  everlasting 
comfort,  to  reform  us,  to  renew  us  according  to 
thine  own  image,  to  build  us  up  and  edify  us  into  the 
perfect  building  of  thy  Christ,  sanctifying  and  in- 
creasing in  us  all  heavenly  virtues.  Grant  this,  O 
Heavenly  Father,  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake.     Amen. 


PRAYERS   FOR   THE    PARISH.  131 

O  Lord  God,  with  whom  is  the  fulness  of  salvation 
and  the  perfection  of  blessing  ;  Have  mercy  upon 
those  who  fail  to  meditate  upon  the  inspired  Word  of 
thy  truth  ;  quicken  us  all  with  an  increasing  love  of 
thy  revelation  ;  grant  that,  delighting  by  day  and 
night  to  exercise  ourselves  therein,  we  may  bring 
forth  fruit  in  this  world  as  trees  of  thy  planting, 
nourished  by  the  waters  of  thy  grace,  which  may  be 
found  unto  holiness  and  ripen  unto  everlasting  life ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  art  the  Truth  incarnate 
and  the  Teacher  of  the  faithful  ;  let  thy  Spirit  over- 
shadow us  in  reading  thy  Word,  and  conform  our 
thoughts  to  thy  revelation  ;  that  learning  of  thee  with 
honest  hearts,  we  may  be  rooted  and  built  up  in 
thee ;  who  livest  and  reignest  with  the  Father  and 
the  Holy  Ghost  one  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

O  God  the  Holy  Ghost,  open  thou  our  eyes,  that 
we  may  see  the  wondrous  things  of  thy  law.  Let 
thy  holy  Word  be  a  lantern  unto  our  feet,  and  a  light 
unto  our  paths ;  so  that  by  thy  help  we  may  walk  in 
the  narrow  way  of  eternal  life  ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  God,  whose  blessed  Word  was  given  us  for  our 
edification,  that  we  might  attain  to  eternal  life  in  the 
knowledge  of  thyself,  pardon  the  sin  of  those  who 
quote  it  heedlessly,  and  for  unworthy  ends,  whether 
of  falsehood  or  of  amusement.  Grant  unto  them 
grace  so  to  reflect  upon  its  hidden  mysteries,  that 
they  may  abstain  from  every  expression  which  shall 
tend  to  destroy  the  sanctity  of  its  language  in  the 
ears  of  others,  and  assist  them  in  their  meditations 
thereon,  that  they  may  be  nourished  by  thy  divine 
teaching  ;   through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

Give  us,  O  Lord  our  God,  a  firm  and  living  faith 
in  thee,  that  we  may  believe  all  that  thou  teachest  in 
the  sacred  Scriptures  and  in  thy  holy  Church  ;  for  the 
sake  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord       Amen. 


Prayers  for  Parish  Guilds. 

O  Almighty  God,  who  art  the  source  of  all  strength 
and  goodness  ;  We  beseech  thee  to  bless  this  Guild 
in  all  its  doings.  To  us,  thy  servants  who  are  united 
in  its  fellowship,  wilt  thou  show  the  right  way  and 
incline  our  hearts  steadily  and  faithfully  to  walk  in 
it.  Stand  thou  ever  at  our  right  hand,  defending  us 
against  all  evils  that  may  beset  us  from  within 
or  without.  In  our  counsels  wilt  thou  counsel  us. 
In  our  actions  wilt  thou  go  before  and  follow  us. 
Engage  and  consecrate  all  our  faculties  of  soul  and 
body  to  the  high  calling  wherewith  we  are  called, 
keeping  always  alive  in  our    memory   the  hallowed 


132  PRAYERS   FOR   THE    PARISH. 

VOWS  and  promises  of  our  holy  Baptism.  Freely  we 
have  received  the  inestimable  gifts  of  thy  gospel  and 
thy  Church  ;  freely  may  we  give  them  to  others. 
May  nothing  ever  seem  too  hard  or  too  humble  to  do 
or  to  suffer,  in  following  our  crucified  and  glorified 
Master.  We  ask  it  for  his  sake  who  hath  loved  us 
and  given  himself  for  us,  our  only  Mediator  and 
Advocate,  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Almighty,  everlasting  God,  we  beseech  thee  to 
pour  thy  continual  blessing  upon  this  Guild,  and 
upon  every  member  thereof,  both  present  and 
absent.  Knit  our  hearts  in  gentleness,  forbearance, 
and  brotherly  love,  after  the  example  of  thy  saints. 
Grant  that  zeal,  devotion  and  self  denial  may  here 
flourish,  to  the  glory  of  thy  Name,  the  comfort  of 
our  hearts,  and  the  salvation  of  our  souls ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  God,  who  art  perfect  love,  grant  unto  thy 
servants  to  bear  one  another's  burdens  with  sincere 
affection,  that  thy  peace,  which  passeth  all  under- 
standing, may  keep  our  hearts  and  minds ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

For  an  Altar  Guild  before    Vesting  the 
Altar. 

O  Lord  God  Almighty,  dwelling  in  light  un- 
approachable, yet  sanctifying  by  thy  presence  the 
house  which  is  called  by  thy  Name ;  Grant  unto  thy 
servants,  the  members  of  this  Altar  Guild,  the  spirit 
of  consecration  and  joy,  of  reverence  and  faith,  that 
ministering  about  holy  things,  and  living  of  Christ 
our  sacrifice,  our  souls  may  be  temples  of  the  Holy 
Ghost ;  through  the  same  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


Confession  and  Absolution  of  Penitents 
IN  Private. 

iy  Before  confession  the  Priest  may  say  : 

The  Lord  be  in  thy  heart  and  on  thy  lips,  that 
thou^J<  mayest  rightly  confess  thy  sins,  in  the  Name 
of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.      Amen. 

T[  Any  one  of  the  folloiving  forms  of  confession  may  be 
used. 

I  confess  to  God  Almighty,  the  Father,  the  Son, 
and  the  Holy  Ghost,  in  the  sight  of  the  whole  com- 
pany of  heaven,  and  to  thee,  father,  that  I  have  sinned 
exceedingly  in  thought,  word  and  deed,  of  my  fault, 
of  my  own  fault,  of  my  own  grievous  fault  ;  therefore 
I  pray  God  to  have  mercy  upon  me,  and  thee,  father, 
to  pray  for  me. 


PRAYERS   FOR   THE   PARISH.  133 

I  confess  before  you,  and  before  Almighty  God, 
that  I  have  greatly  sinned  against  his  holy  com- 
mandments, in  thoughts,  words  and  deeds,  and  that 
I  am  by  nature  sinful  and  unclean  and  deserve  ever- 
lasting condemnation.  On  this  account  my  heart  is 
troubled.  I  sincerely  lament  that  I  have  offended 
the  Lord  my  God,  and  earnestly  pray  him  for 
Christ's  sake  graciously  to  forgive  me,  and  by  his 
Holy  Spirit  to  create  in  me  a  new  heart,  according 
as  I  believe  and  trust  in  his  Word.  And  inasmuch 
as  you  have  command  from  the  Lord  Jesus,  as  a 
Priest  of  the  Church,  to  absolve  all  that  are  truly 
penitent,  I  entreat  of  you  to  instruct  and  comfort 
me  out  of  God's  Word,  to  declare  unto  me  in  the 
Name  of  Jesus  Christ  the  forgiveness  of  my  sins, 
and  to  admit  me  to  the  Sacrament  of  his  Body  and 
Blood  for  the  strengthening  of  my  faith,  as  I  pur- 
pose, with  the  help  of  God,  to  amend  and  better  my 
sinful  life. 

I  confess  to  Almighty  God  that  I  have  sinned  in 
thought,  word  and  deed.  In  humility  and  contri- 
tion I  plead  his  forgiveness  and  ask  for  the  benefit 
of  your  prayers. 


^  A>iv  one  of  the  /o//owi)ig  forms  of  (xhsohttioii  may  (>e 
used. 

Almighty  God,  have  mercy  upon  you,  forgive  you 
your  sins,  and  bring  you  to  everlasting  life.      Amen. 

The  Almighty  and  merciful  Lord  grant  you  abso- 
lution and  forgiveness  of  your  sins,  time  for  re- 
pentance, amendment  of  life,  and  the  grace  and 
comfort  of  his  Holy  Spirit.     Amen. 

Almighty  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  who  of  his 
great  mercy  hath  promised  forgiveness  of  sins  to  all 
those  who,  with  hearty  repentance  and  true  faith, 
turn  unto  him ;  Have  mercy  upon  you ;  pardon 
and  deliver  you  from  all  your  sins ;  confirm  and 
strengthen  you  in  all  goodness  ;  and  bring  you  to 
everlasting  , life ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

Almighty  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  is  merciful 
and  gracious,  and  ready  to  forgive  thee  all  thy  sins, 
for  the  sake  of  his  Son  Jesus  Christ,  who  suffered 
and  died  for  thee ;  therefore  in  his  Name,  in  obedi- 
ence to  his  command,  and  by  virtue  of  his  words  : 
"Whosesoever  sins  ye  remit,  they  are  remitted  unto 
them,"  I  declare  thee,  being  penitent,  absolved  and 
free  from  all  thy  sins.  They  are  forgiven,  as 
abundantly  and  completely  as  Jesus  Christ  hath 
merited  by  his  sufferings  and  death,  and  com- 
manded to  be  preached  by  the  gospel  throughout  the 
world.  Take  to  thyself  then,  for  thy  comfort  and 
peace,  the  assurance  which  I  now  give  thee  in  the 
Name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  believe  without  doubt, 
that  thy  sins  are  forgiven  thee,  in  the  Name  of  the 
Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Amen. 


134  PRAYIvKS    FOR    THK    PARISH. 

As  the  servant  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  I  declare 
thee  freed  from  thy  sins,  in  the  Name  of  the 
Father,^  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Amen. 


EucHARiSTic  Prayers. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  God  that  hidest  thyself,  give 
us  grace,  we  implore  thee,  to  discern  thee  spiritually 
in  the  most  blessed  Sacrament  of  thy  Body  and 
Blood ;  to  receive  thee  into  souls  prostrate  in 
adoration,  to  entertain  thee  with  our  utmost  love, 
and  not  to  let  thee  go  except  thou  bless  us.  Grant 
this,  O  Saviour,  who  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy 
Ghost  liveth  and  reigneth  one  God,  world  without 
end.     Amen. 

Defend,  O  Lord,  with  thy  protection  those  whom 
thou  satisfiest  with  heavenly  gifts  ;  that  being  set 
free  from  all  things  hurtful,  we  may  press  onward 
with  our  whole  heart  to  the  salvation  which  cometh 
from  thee  ;   through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,     Amen. 

Grant,  O  Lord,  that  what  we  have  taken  with  our 
mouth  we  may  receive  with  our  soul,  and  let  that 
which  has  been  a  temporary  gift  become  to  us  an 
everlasting  remedy  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

We  give  thee  thanks,  O  Lord,  Holy  Father, 
almighty,  eternal  God,  who  hast  refreshed  us  by  the 
participation  of  the  most  holy  Body  and  Blood  of 
thy  Son  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  And  we  pray  that 
this  Sacrament  of  our  salvation  which  we  have 
received,  may  not  turn  to  our  condemnation,  but 
that  it  may  be  to  the  perfecting  of  body  and  soul  for 
eternal  life;   through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

O  God,  who,  of  old,  didst  command  the  offering 
of  the  daily  sacrifice  in  thy  temple,  and  who  dost 
accept  the  perpetual  offering  of  thy  Son  once  made 
upon  the  cross;  Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  that  in  tin- 
good  time  the  daily  Sacrifice  may  be  offered  on  the 
altars  of  the  Church's  Seminaries,  to  the  glory  of 
thy  great  Name  and  the  salvation  of  our  souls ; 
through  the  same  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

Almighty  God,  who  didst  give  thine  only  Son  to 
be  a  propitiation  for  the  sins  of  the  world  by  his 
sacrifice  upon  the  cross  ;  We  beseech  thee  to  hasten 
the  time  when  there  shall  be  restored  to  all  the 
altars  of  thy  Church,  the  reservation  of  the  blessed 
Sacrament  of  the  Body  and  Blood  of  Christ,  that 
thereby  faith  in  thee  may  be  strengthened,  holy 
mysteries  exalted,  true  and  reverent  worship  in- 
creased, and  thv  kingdom  enlarged  ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  onr  Lord.      .'\men. 


PRAYKKS  KOK  THK  HOMK.  IMS 


Prayers  for  the  Rome. 

*  Family  Prayers. 


Mornings. 

O  Lord,  who  hast  renewed  unto  us  the  light  of  the 
sun  ;  We  beseech  thee  in  thy  loving  kindness,  to 
pour  the  light  of  thy  holy  Word  into  our  souls  ;  that 
we  may  ever  be  devoted  to  thee,  by  whose  wisdom  we 
were  created,  and  by  whose  providence  we  are 
governed  ;   through   Jesus  Christ  our   Lord.      Amen. 

O  God,  who  hast  commanded  that  no  man  should 
be  idle,  but  that  we  should  all  work  with  our  hands 
the  thing  that  is  good  ;  Look  graciously  upon  thy 
servants  now  going  forth  to  do  their  duty  in  that 
station  of  life  unto  which  thou  hast  been  pleased  to 
call  them.  May  thy  blessing  be  upon  our  persons, 
upon  our  labors,  upon  our  substance  and  upon  all 
that  belongs  to  us.  Enable  us  to  resist  the  temp- 
tations of  the  world,  the  flesh  and  the  devil,  to  follow 
in  all  things  the  motions  of  thy  good  Spirit,  to  be 
serious  and  holy  in  our  lives,  true  and  just  in  our 
dealings,  watchful  over  our  thoughts,  words  and 
actions,  diligent  in  our  business,  and  temperate  in  all 
things.  Give  us  grace,  that  we  may  honestly  im- 
prove all  the  talents  thou  hast  committed  to  our 
trust,  and  grant  that  no  worldly  business,  nor 
worldly  pleasure  may  ever  divert  us  from  the 
thought  of  the  world  to  come  ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.      Amen. 

Almighty  God,  make  us  truly  sensible  of,  and 
penitent  for,  all  the  sins  that  we  have  committed 
against  thy  divine  Majesty,  in  thought,  word  or 
deed.  Wash  away  their  guilt  with  the  precious 
blood  of  thy  dear  Son.  Be  reconciled  to  us  for  his 
sake  and  save  us  from  the  wrath  to  come.  Draw 
our  minds  from  a  love  of  this  world,  and  teach  us  to 
use  it  with  temperance,  sobriety  and  moderation, 
with  an  entire  trust  and  dependence  on  thy  fatherly 
care  and  good  providence,  and  with  a  perfect 
submission  to  thy  blessed  will  in  all  things.  Root 
out  of  our  hearts  all  pride  and  envy,  all  hatred, 
malice  and  ill  will.  Put  away  from  us  all  censori- 
ousness  and  uncharitableness,  all  lying  and  slander- 
ing, and  whatever  else  is  contrary  to  a  truly 
Christian  spirit.  Endue  us,  we  most  humbly  pray 
thee,  with  that  meekness  and  that  humility  which 
in  thy  sight  are  of  great  value,  and  with  all  those  holy 
and  Christian  dispositions  which  thou  delightest  in. 
Hear  us  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

*  Subjects  in  great  variety  may  be  found  in  other 
parts  of  this  book  that  can  be  used  to  supplement 
family  worship. 


136  PRAYKRS   FOR   THE    HOME. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  thou  Lord  of  glory,  who  didst 
empty  thyself  of  glory  for  our  sakes  ;  Give  us  grace, 
we  beseech  thee,  with  willing  hearts  to  offer  our- 
selves to  thee,  all  we  are  and  all  we  have.  Raise  up 
according  to  thy  will  and  for  thy  glory,  saintly 
priests,  heroic  missionaries,  self-denying  rich  and 
poor,  men  and  women  devoted  to  thy  service,  virgins 
espoused  to  thee,  married  persons  loving  thee  above 
all  and  each  other  as  thy  precious  and  cherished  gift. 
Guide  us  by  that  wisdom  which  is  pure,  peaceable, 
gentle,  easily  entreated,  merciful,  fruitful,  without 
partiality  or  hypocrisy.  And  prosper.  Lord,  thy  work 
in  our  hands ;  through  thy  mercy,  O  our  God 
who  art  blessed,  and  livest  and  reignest  for  ever  and 
ever.     Amen. 

Regard,  O  Lord,  with  thy  favor  all  the  members 
of  this  household.  Bind  us  together  in  love,  sym- 
pathy and  forbearance.  Brighten  our  daily  exist- 
ence with  those  endearing  graces  that  come  from 
thee.  Help  us  to  live  each  for  the  other,  and  to  find 
our  happiness  in  doing  good  and  in  denying  our- 
selves ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Be  with  us,  O  Lord,  through  the  whole  day,  in 
our  going  out  and  in  our  coming  in.  Be  with  us  in 
every  place,  and  in  every  duty  to  which  thy  provi- 
dence may  call  us.  Bless  all  our  lawful  under- 
takings, and  grant  that  in  all  our  works  begun, 
continued,  and  ended  in  thee,  we  may  glorify  thy 
holy  Name,  and  finally,  by  thy  mercy,  obtain  ever- 
lasting life  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Grant  us,  O  Lord,  in  all  our  duties,  thy  help,  in  all 
our  perplexities,  thy  counsel,  in  all  our  dangers,  thy 
protection,  and  in  all  our  sorrows,  thy  peace  ;  for 
the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

O  Lord  God,  who  art  our  Guide  even  unto  death  ; 
Grant  us,  we  pra}'  thee,  grace  to  follow  thee 
whithersoever  thou  goest.  In  little  daily  duties  to 
which  thou  callest  us,  bow  down  our  wills  to  simple 
obedience,  patience  under  pain  or  provocation, 
strict  truthfulness  of  word  and  manner,  humility 
and  kindness.  In  great  acts  of  duty  or  perfection  if 
thou  shouldest  call  us  to  them,  uplift  us  to  self- 
sacrifice,  heroic  courage,  laying  down  of  life  for  thy 
truth's  sake  or  for  a  brother.  Hear  us  in  the  Name 
of  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

O  Lord  God,  gracious  and  merciful,  give  us  this 
day,  we  entreat  thee,  a  humble  trust  in  thy  mercy, 
and  suffer  not  our  hearts  to  fail  us.  Though  our 
sins  be  seven,  though  our  sins  be  seventy  times 
seven,  though  our  sins  be  more  in  number  than  the 
hairs  of  our  head,  yet  give  us  grace  in  loving  peni- 
tence to  cast  ourselves  down  into  the  depth  of  thy 
compassion;   through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  heavenly  Father,  keep  before  us  the  daily 
inspiration  of  thy  Son's  life  upon  earth,  till  we 
ennoble  our  duties  by  the  spirit  in  which  we  do 
them.  Subdue  all  selfish  ambitions  in  us,  and 
hallow  the  uneventfulness  of   our  surroundings  by 


PRAYERS    FOR   THE    HOME.  137 

the  companionship  of  Jesus  Christ ;  teach  us  to  fit 
our  spirits  to  the  circumstances  in  which  thy  order- 
ing places  us,  and  bring  our  hearts  into  recon- 
ciliation with  what  we  have  to  do.  From  morning 
until  evening  keep  us  in  the  way  which  thou  hast 
prepared  for  us  to  walk  in,  by  the  strength  that 
Cometh  from  the  holy  cross  of  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

We  praise  thee,  O  Lord,  for  our  family  mercies; 
for  bestowing  on  us  a  quiet  habitation  ;  for  life, 
health,  and  strength,  and  the  daily  provisions  of  thy 
good  providence.  Grant  that  we  may  receive  them 
all  with  grateful  and  sanctified  hearts,  enjoy  them  in 
the  light  of  thy  countenance,  and  freely  give  them 
back  to  thee  when  thou  art  pleased  to  require  them. 
Lord,  take  us  as  thine  own,  and  show  us  the  fa\or 
thou  bearest  to  thy  people,  that  we  may  rejoice  with 
thy  heritage,  and  ever  adore  the  exceeding  riches  of 
thy  grace  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Heavenly  Father,  we  beseech  thee  to  bless  us  in 
the  personal  influence,  both  conscious  and  uncon- 
scious, which  we  exert  from  day  to  day.  May  we  be 
a  hindrance  to  no  one  either  by  word  or  example, 
but  by  the  purity,  gentleness  and  unselfishness  of 
our  lives,  may  we  lead  many  to  serve  and  glorify 
thee;   through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

O  God,  at  whose  word  man  goeth  forth  unto 
his  work  and  to  his  labor  until  the  evening ;  Be 
merciful  to  all  those  whose  duties  are  difficult  or 
burdensome,  and  comfort  them  concerning  their  toil. 
Shield  from  bodily  accident  and  harm  the  workmen 
at  their  work.  Protect  the  efforts  of  sober  and 
honest  industry,  and  suffer  not  the  hire  of  the 
laborers  to  be  kept  back  by  fraud.  Incline  the 
hearts  of  employers  and  of  those  whom  they  employ 
to  mutual  forbearance,  fairness  and  good  will.  Give 
the  spirit  of  governance,  and  of  a  sound  mind  to  all 
in  places  of  authority.  Bless  all  those  who  labor  in 
works  of  mercy  and  schools  of  good  learning.  Care 
for  all  aged  persons,  and  all  little  children,  the  sick, 
and  the  afflicted,  those  who  travel  by  land  or  by  sea, 
all  strangers,  and  emigrants  and  outcasts.  Remember 
all  who  by  reason  of  weakness  are  overtasked,  or  by 
reason  of  poverty  are  forgotten.  Let  the  sorrowful 
sighing  of  the  prisoners  come  before  thee,  and  ac- 
cording to  the  greatness  of  thy  power,  preserve  thou 
those  that  are  appointed  to  die.  Give  ear  unto  our 
prayer,  O  merciful  and  gracious  Father,  for  the  love 
of  thy  dear  Son  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

Almighty  God  and  heavenly  Father,  who  art 
gracious  and  merciful,  slow  to  anger  and  of  great 
kindness;  We  would  remember  before  thee  all  those 
who  are  in  any  trial,  sorrow  or  adversity.  Shelter 
the  defenceless,  feed  the  hungry,  comfort  the 
mourner,  raise  up  the  fallen,  strengthen  the  weak, 
restore  the  backslider,  humble  the  proud,  give 
wisdom  to  the  foolish,  repentance  and  faith  to  the 
hardened  and  careless.  Pity  the  widow  and  the 
fatherless.  Defend  all  who  may  be  in  peril,  whether 
temporal    or    spiritual.     Be    nigh  to  those  who  are 


138  PRAYERS   FOR    THE    HOME. 

sick,  and  sanctify  their  afflictions  to  their  eternal 
good,  and  let  thy  sustaining  grace  be  vouchsafed  to 
the  dying,  that  when  heart  and  flesh  fail,  thou 
mayest  be  the  strength  of  their  heart,  and  their 
portion  forever.  We  ask  all  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.      Amen. 

O  Lord,  hear  us  from  heaven,  thy  dwelling  place. 
Forgive  the  sins  of  our  persons,  and  the  sins  of  our 
prayers,  and  do  more  for  us  than  we  are  worthy  to 
expect  at  thy  hands,  for  his  sake  who  alone  is 
worthy,  even  Jesus  Christ,  our  Mediator  and 
Redeemer.     Amen. 

Evenings. 

We  praise  thee,  O  Lord,  who  givest  the  day  for 
labor,  and  the  night  for  rest,  that  thou  hast  be- 
stowed on  us  those  things  that  are  needful  for  us, 
and  hast  not  withheld  thy  Spirit  from  us  during 
these  hours  of  light.  Dispose  us  ever  to  make 
mention  of  thy  goodness.  What  things  we  miss  may 
we  patiently,  by  thy  grace,  forego,  and  what  things 
we  have,  may  we  thankfully  ascribe  to  thy  mercy  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Thou  hast  made,  O  Lord,  the  outgoings  of  an- 
other morning  and  evening  to  rejoice.  Thou  hast 
crowned  the  day  with  thy  goodness.  Let  the  night 
witness  thy  care  and  kindness,  and  may  we  enter  on 
another  portion  of  our  time,  not  only  under  fresh 
obligations,  but  with  new  desires  and  resolutions  to 
be  forever  thine  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

O  Lord  God  Almighty,  in  whose  hand  is  our 
breath,  and  whose  are  all  our  ways,  we  come  to 
thank  thee,  for  thy  merciful  preservation  of  us 
through  another  day.  We  know  not,  in  our  utter 
ignorance  of  things  unseen,  the  dangers  that  sur- 
round us  by  night  and  by  day.  We  know  not  how 
often  there  is  but  a  step  between  us  and  death.  But 
all  is  known  to  thee,  and  thy  gracious  hand  has  often 
turned  away  from  us  the  danger  which  thine  eye 
alone  could  see.  We  praise  thee,  then,  O  Lord  our 
God,  who  redeemest  our  lives  from  destruction,  and 
crownest  us  with  mercy  and  loving  kindness. 
O  thou,  who  art  slow  to  anger  and  plenteous  in 
mercy,  pardon,  we  humbly  pray  thee,  for  Christ's 
sake,  all  our  sins,  negligences  and  ignorances.  Blot 
them  all  out  of  the  book  of  thy  remembrance.  Enter 
not  into  judgment  with  us  on  account  of  them. 
There  is  forgiveness  with  thee.  May  we  hear  thy 
gracious  voice  saying  to  us,  "Be  of  good  cheer  ;  thy 
sins  are  forgiven  thee."  In  every  time  of  need  and 
trouble  be  thou,  O  God,  a  very  present  help. 
Sanctify  to  us  all  thy  fatherly  chastisements.  We 
know  that  thou  dost  not  afflict  willingly,  nor  grieve 
the  children  of  men.  Thou  chastenest  us  for  our 
profit,  to  make  us  partakers  of  thy  holiness.  Teach 
us  then,  O  Lord  our  God,  to  profit  by  all  thy  deal- 
ings with  us.  Subdue  every  proud  and  stubborn 
thought  within  us.  May  our  wills  be  conformed  to 
thine.     When  we  are  called  to  suffer,  may  we  trust 


PRAYERS    FOR    THE    HOME.  139 

and  be  still.  When  the  night  of  weariness  is  upon 
us,  may  we  be  enabled  patiently  to  wait  for  the 
morning  of  joy.  O  most  merciful  Father,  who 
despisest  not  the  sighing  of  a  contrite  heart,  receive 
and  comfort  us  who  are  wearied  with  the  burden  of 
our  sins.  Blessed  Saviour,  who  callest  the  weary 
and  heavy-laden  unto  thee,  give  us  the  rest  which 
thou  alone  canst  give.  Lord,  we  believe,  help  thou 
our  unbelief.  Of  thy  great  mercy  scatter  all  our 
doubts  and  fears,  and  shed  abroad  in  our  hearts  the 
comforts  of  thy  good  Spirit,  that  we  may  have  joy 
and  peace  in  believing.  Take  this  household  under 
thy  care  this  night.  Be  pleased  to  give  us  all  re- 
freshing sleep.  May  our  minds  be  peaceful,  and 
may  our  waking  thoughts  be  thoughts  of  praise. 
These  things  we  humbly  ask  in  the  Name  of  Jesus 
Christ  our  Saviour.     Amen. 

O  most  gracious  God,  we  confess  that  we  have 
most  justly  provoked  thy  wrath  and  indignation 
against  us.  O  Lord,  we  have  displeased  thee  by  the 
sins  of  our  youth,  and  the  sins  of  our  riper  years,  by 
the  sins  of  our  souls  and  the  sins  of  our  bodies,  by 
our  negligences  and  ignorances,  by  the  evil  things 
we  have  done  to  please  ourselves,  and  the  evil  things 
we  have  done  to  please  others,  by  the  sins  we  know 
and  remember,  and  the  sins  we  have  forgotten,  by 
the  sins  we  have  kept  secret  from  others,  and  the 
sins  by  which  we  have  made  others  to  offend.  But, 
O  Lord,  be  not  angry  with  us  forever.  Spare  us, 
good  Lord,  who  with  true  and  hearty  sorrow  confess 
our  sinfulness,  and  forgive  us,  we  beseech  thee,  all 
that  we  have  done  amiss,  for  his  sake,  who  died  for 
our  sins,  and  rose  again  for  our  justification,  and 
now  standeth  at  thy  right  hand,  to  make  intercession 
for  us,  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

Enlighten,  O  Lord,  our  minds  that  we  may  know 
thee,  and  let  us  not  be  barren  nor  unfruitful  in  that 
knowledge.  May  we  be  thankful  for  thy  mercies, 
humble  under  thy  corrections,  and  devoted  to  thy 
service.  Put  into  our  hearts  a  true  faith,  a  purify- 
ing hope  and  an  unfeigned  charity ;  and  let  no 
Christian  grace  be  wanting  in  us.  Give  us  meek- 
ness, humility  and  contentedness  of  mind.  Make  us 
diligent  in  our  duty,  watchful  against  all  temp- 
tations, and  temperate  in  our  most  lawful  enjoy- 
ments. Grant  us  grace  to  perform  all  parts  of 
justice,  yielding  unto  every  man,  whatsoever,  by  any 
kind  of  right,  becomes  his  due  ;  and  put  also  into  our 
hearts  such  mercy  and  compassion  that  we  may  be 
ever  ready  to  do  acts  of  charity,  both  to  our  friends 
and  enemies,  according  to  the  commandment  and 
example  of  our  blessed  Saviour.  Sanctify  us 
throughout,  that  »ur  whole  spirits  and  souls  and 
bodies  may  be  preserved  blameless  unto  the  coming 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  to  whom  with  thee  and  the 
Holy  Ghost  be  all  honor  and  glory,  world  without 
end.     Amen. 

Extend,  O  Lord,  thy  pity  and  compassion  to  the 
whole  race  of  mankind.  Enlighten  the  Gentile 
world  with  a  knowledge  of  thy  truth,  and  bring  into 
the  flock  thine  ancient  people,  the  Jews,  and  let  all 


140  PRAYERS    FOR   THE   HOME. 

who  name  the  Name  of  Christ,  depart  from  all  in- 
iquity. Be  gracious  to  thy  holy  Catholic  Church. 
Grant  that  she  may  always  preserve  that  doctrine  and 
discipline,  which  thou  hast  delivered  to  her,  and  let 
not  the  gates  of  hell  ever  prevail  against  her.  Grant 
that  all  our  governors  in  Church  and  State  may  be 
useful  and  serviceable  to  thy  glory,  and  the  public 
good,  remembering  the  great  account  they  must  one 
day  give.  Be  merciful  to  all  that  are  in  affliction  or 
distress,  that  labor  under  poverty  or  persecution, 
under  bodily  pains  or  diseases,  or  under  temptation 
or  trouble  of  mind.  Be  pleased  to  support  and 
comfort  them,  and  in  thy  good  time  to  deliver  them 
according  to  thy  great  mercy.  Bless  all  our  friends, 
relations  and  acquaintances.  Those  that  are  in  sin, 
convert,  and  those  that  are  in  grace,  confirm  and 
strengthen.  Unite  us  all,  O  God,  to  one  another  by 
mutual  love,  and  to  thyself  by  the  constant  practice 
of  piety  and  holiness;  through  the  merits  of  thy 
blessed  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  knit  together  thine  elect 
in  one  communion  and  fellowship,  in  the  mystical 
body  of  thy  Son  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ ;  Give  us 
grace  evermore  to  draw  our  supplies  of  life  and 
peace  from  him,  who  is  the  head  over  all  things 
to  his  Church  ;  and  so  fill  us  with  love  to  him  and  all 
his  members,  that  we  may  abound  in  sympathy  and 
kindness.  Make  us  willing  to  deny  ourselves,  that 
others  may  be  enriched.  Help  us  to  bear  the  bur- 
dens of  the  weak,  and  to  minister  to  the  wants  of  all. 
Grant  that  this  mind  may  be  in  us  which  was  also  in 
Christ  Jesus,  who  came  not  to  be  ministered  unto, 
but  to  minister.  Save  us  from  pride,  envy  and 
selfishness,  and  fill  us  with  kindness,  consideration, 
and  humility  ;  for  the  sake  of  thy  dear  Son  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Almighty  God,  who  art  of  purer  eyes  than  to  be- 
hold iniquity  ;  We  beseech  thee  to  fill  us  with  sorrow 
for  our  sins  of  omission  this  day.  If  we  have  not 
thought  of  others  rather  than  of  ourselves,  if  we 
have  not  been  patient  under  the  pressure  of  trials 
and  cares,  if  we  have  not.  been  stedfast  when 
tempted,  if  we  have  not  been  spiritually  minded 
while  surrounded  with  the  worldly  and  thoughtless, 
we  implore  thy  forbearance  and  forgiveness.  Be 
pleased  to  grant  us  the  aid  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  that 
we  may  daily  grow  in  grace,  and  render  thee  a 
higher  and  better  service  the  longer  we  live.  These 
things  we  ask  in  the  Name  of  our  blessed  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

Now,  Lord,  we  commend  ourselves  to  thy  gracious 
care.  Preserve  us  safely  from  all  the  dangers  and 
perils  of  this  night.  Let  not  the  sons  of  violence 
approach  to  hurt  us,  nor  the  devouring  flame  con- 
sume our  dwelling.  Except  the  Lord  keep  the  city, 
the  watchman  watcheth  in  vain,  but  he  that  keepeth 
Israel  neither  slumbereth  nor  sleepeth.  Be  then,  O 
God,  our  helper  during  the  hours  of  darkness.  Pre- 
serve us  in  body  and  soul  from  all  evil,  and  grant  us 
at    last  an  abundant  entrance' into   the  everlasting 


PRAYERS   FOR   THE    HOME.  141 

kingdom    of   our    Lord    and    Saviour    Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 

In  the  covenant  of  our  Baptism  and  in  the  Name 
of  the  holy  and  undivided  Trinity,  we  close  our 
eyes  to  sleep.  The  Father  bless  us  and  keep  us  ; 
the  Son  make  his  face  to  shine  upon  us,  and  be 
gracious  unto  us  ;  the  Spirit  lift  up  his  countenance 
upon  us,  and  give  us  peace,  now  and  evermore. 
Amen. 


Family  Prayers  for  Each  Day 
OF  THE  Week. 

By  THE  Rt.  Rev.  F.  D.  Huntington,  D.D.,  LL.U.,  L.H.D. 

SiDiday. 


This  is  the  day  which  the  Lord  hath  made  ;  we 
will  rejoice  and  be  glad  in  it.  Ye  shall  keep  my 
Sabbaths,  and  reverence  my  Sanctuary.  Hallow 
my  Sabbaths,  and  they  shall  be  a  sign  between  me 
and  you,  that  ye  may  know  that  I  am  the  Lord  your 
God.  Come  before  his  presence  with  thanksgiving, 
and  enter  into  his  courts  with  praise.  Worship  the 
Lord  in  the  beauty  of  holiness.  God  is  a  Spirit, 
and  they  that  worship  him  must  worship  him  in 
spirit  and  in  truth. 

O  Lord,  most  gracious  Saviour,  who  as  on  this 
holy  day  didst  rise  from  the  dead,  raise  up  our  souls, 
we  beseech  thee,  to  newness  of  life,  transforming  us 
in  the  likeness  of  thy  resurrection.  Bestow  upon 
each  member  of  this  family,  upon  all  who  are  related 
to  us  and  dear  to  us,  and  upon  our  fellow-wor- 
shippers, such  a  blessing  through  thy  worship  that 
the  days  which  follow  may  be  spent  in  thy  service 
and  thy  favor.  Feed  us  with  the  Bread  of  Life 
which  Cometh  down  from  heaven.  Give  wisdom 
from  above  and  courage  and  meekness,  O  blessed 
Lord,  to  thy  ministers,  and  give  power  to  their 
message.  May  thy  truth  be  received  into  believing 
and  faithful  hearts,  and  bear  fruit  in  holy  and 
charitable  lives.  And  the  praise  shall  be  given  to 
the  Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  world 
without  end.      Amen. 

EVENING. 

Whoso  dwelleth  under  the  defence  of  the  most 
High  shall  abide  under  the  shadow  of  the  Almighty. 
At  evening  time  it  shall  be  light.  Thou  shalt  not  be 
afraid  for  any  terror  by  night,  nor  for  the  arrow 
that  flieth  by  day,  for  the  pestilence  that  walketh  in 
darkness,  nor  for  the  sickness  that  destroyeth  in  the 
noon-day.  The  beloved  of  the  Lord  shall  dwell  in 
safety  by  him,  and  the  Lord  shall  cover  him  all  the 


142  PRAYERS    FOR    THE    HOME. 

day  long,  and  he  shall  dwell  between  his  shoulders. 
This  is  the  confidence  that  we  have  in  him,  that  if 
we  ask  anything  according  to  his  will,  he  heareth  us. 

Abide  with  us,  O  blessed  Spirit  of  the  living  God, 
we  entreat  thee,  and  so  cleanse  our  consciences  that 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  when  he  cometh  may  find  us 
waiting  and  prepared  for  his  appearing,  who  by  his 
dying  overcame  death  and  by  his  rising  again  has 
opened  for  us  the  gate  of  everlasting  life.  Accept 
our  thanks  for  this  hallowed  day,  for  the  covenants 
of  thy  grace  and  for  the  ordinances  of  thy  Church. 
Pardon  the  sins  of  our  holy  things.  Remember  this 
night  all  who  are  dear  to  us,  and  may  they  be  dear 
to  thee.  Shine  with  thy  light  upon  the  dark  places 
of  the  earth.  Let  healing  and  sight  be  given  to  the 
nations  that  they  may  walk  no  more  in  the  shadow 
of  death.  And  to  those  who  labor  and  witness  for 
thee  in  heathen  or  Christian  lands  give  thy  strength 
and  heavenly  benediction,  that  they  may  live  ac- 
cording to  thy  will,  set  forth  thy  holy  faith,  and 
hasten  the  coming  of  thy  glorious  kingdom  ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Monday . 

MORNING. 

Blessed  be  the  Lord  God  who  turneth  the  shadows 
into  the  morning.  Cause  me  to  hear  thy  loving- 
kindness  in  the  morning,  for  in  thee  do  I  trust. 
They  that  trust  in  the  Lord  shall  be  as  Mount  Zion 
which  cannot  be  removed,  but  abideth  for  ever. 
Hast  thou  not  known,  hast  thou  not  heard,  that  the 
everlasting  God,  the  Lord,  fainteth  not,  neither  is 
weary  ?  Even  the  youths  shall  faint  and  be  weary, 
and  the  young  man  shall  utterly  fall.  But  they  that 
wait  upon  the  Lord  shall  renew  their  strength. 
They  shall  mount  up  with  wings  as  eagles.  They 
shall  run  and  not  be  weary  ;  they  shall  walk  and  not 
faint. 

O  Almighty  God  who  art  the  life  and  light  of  men  ; 
We  give  thee  humble  thanks  that  thou  hast  refreshed 
us  with  rest  and  sleep,  and  hast  now  touched  us  and 
wakened  us  with  thine  unseen  Hand.  Drive  away 
all  dullness,  we  beseech  thee,  from  our  minds,  and 
help  us  to  look  up  in  faith  and  prayer  to  the  true 
light  of  the  world,  which  is  Jesus  Christ.  Keep  us 
this  week  from  all  injury  and  accident,  mischief  and 
wrong-doing.  Make  us  watchful  against  the  enemy 
of  our  souls,  stedfast  in  every  good  work,  content 
with  our  lot,  and  conquerors  of  our  appetites  and 
passions,  through  the  power  of  thy  Holy  Spirit 
always  present  in  our  hearts.  In  all  our  anxieties 
and  perplexities  as  to  the  necessities  of  this  mortal 
life,  be  thou  our  guide  and  our  comforter.  Help  us 
to  go  on  in  our  Christian  wa\-,  without  stumbling  and 
without  stain,  always  both  ashamed  and  afraid  to 
offend  our  heavenly  Master  who  so  loved  us  as  to  die 
for  us,  and  who  will  judge  us  in  the  last  day.  These 
things  we  ask  through  him,  our  blessed  Mediator  and 
Redeemer.      Amen. 


PRAYERS   FOR   THE    HOME.  143 


EVENING. 

O  Lord,  thou  hast  searched  me  out,  and  known 
me;  thou  knowest  my  down-sitting  and  mine  up- 
rising ;  thou  understandest  my  thoughts  long  before 
Thou  art  about  my  path,  and  about  my  bed,  and 
spiest  out  all  my  ways.  For  there  is  not  a  word  in 
my  tongue,  but  thou,  O  Lord,  knowest  it  altogether. 
Yea,  the  darkness  is  no  darkness  to  thee,  but  the 
night  is  as  clear  as  the  day.  The  darkness  and  light 
to  thee  are  both  alike.  How  dear  are  thy  counsels 
unto  me,  O  God;  O  how  great  is  the  sum  of  them. 
If  I  tell  them,  they  are  more  in  number  than  the 
sand.     When  I  wake  up  I  am  present  with  thee. 

O  God,  who  by  making  the  evening  to  follow  the 
day  hast  bestowed  the  gift  of  repose  on  human  weak- 
ness ;  Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  that  while  we  enjoy 
these  timely  blessings  we  may  acknowledge  him 
from  whom  they  come.  Thine  is  the  day,  O  Lord, 
and  thine  is  the  night ;  grant  that,  as  the  natural 
sun  goes  down,  the  Sun  of  righteousness  mav  abide 
in  our  hearts,  to  drive  away  the  darkness  of  wicked 
thoughts.  Visit,  we  beseech  thee,  this  habitation 
with  thy  mercy,  and  us  thy  children  with  thy  grace 
and  salvation,  that  no  illusion  of  the  night  may 
abuse  us,  the  spirits  of  darkness  may  not  come  near 
to  hurt  us,  no  evil  or  sad  accident  oppress  us  ;  and 
may  thy  blessing,  most  blessed  God,  be  upon  us  for- 
ever, through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Tuesday . 

MORNING. 

Put  them  in  mind  to  obey  magistrates,  to  be  ready 
to  every  good  work,  to  speak  evil  of  no  man,  to  be  no 
brawlers,  but  gentle,  showing  all  meekness  unto  all 
men.  And  we  beseech  you,  brethren,  to  know  them 
which  labor  among  you  and  are  over  you  in  the 
Lord,  and  admonish  you.  and  to  esteem  them  very 
highly  in  love  for  their  work's  sake.  And  be  at 
peace  among  yourselves.  See  that  none  render  evil 
for  evil  unto  any  man.  Provide  things  honest  in  the 
sight  of  all  men.  Study  to  be  quiet  and  to  do  your 
own  business,  and  to  work  with  your  own  hands. 
And  the  very  God  of  peace  sanctify  you  wholly. 

We  entreat  thee,  O  God  of  all  wisdom,  and  Foun- 
tain of  all  goodness,  that  thou  wilt  show  us  the  right 
way,  and  incline  us  steadily  and  faithfully  to  walk 
in  it.  Engage  all  our  powers  and  faculties  in 
observing  thy  commandments.  Make  our  bodies  fit 
temples  for  thy  Holy  Spirit  to  dwell  in,  so  that,  with 
temperance  and  purity,  all  our  desires  and  appetites 
may  be  subdued  to  thine  incorruptible  will,  and  no 
excess  or  sloth  darken  our  minds  or  deaden  our  con- 
sciences. Teach  us  to  prize  honor  more  than  com- 
fort, and  usefulness  to  our  fellow-men  more  than 
their  favor.  Lift  us  above  a  weak  or  wicked  fear  of 
human  opinions.  Set  us  free  from  foolish  fashions 
and  wrong  customs.  Restrain  us  from  following 
any  multitude  to  do  evil.  Grant  us  patience  when- 
ever we  are  provoked,  courage  when  we  are  ready  to 


144  PRAYERS   FOR   THE    HOME. 

despair,  and  perseverance  unto  the  end.  May 
nothing  ever  seem  too  hard  for  us  to  do,  or  to  suffer, 
in  following  him,  our  crucified  and  glorified  Master, 
who  bore  the  cross  and  laid  down  his  life  for  us. 
And  this  we  beg  in  the  Name  of  him,  our  Redeemer, 
who,  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  liveth  and 
reigneth,  one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen, 

EVENING. 

The  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  love,  joy,  peace,  long- 
suffering,  gentleness,  goodness,  faith,  meekness, 
temperance :  against  such  there  is  no  law.  And 
they  that  are  Christ's  have  crucified  the  flesh  with 
the  affections  and  lusts.  As  many  of  you  as  have 
been  baptized  into  Christ  have  put  on  Christ.  If 
any  man  be  in  Christ  he  is  a  new  creature.  Every 
man's  work  shall  be  made  manifest ;  for  the  Day 
shall  declare  it,  and  the  fire  shall  try  every  man's 
work  of  what  sort  it  is.  If  any  man  defile  the 
temple  of  God  him  shall  God  destroy :  for  the 
temple  of  God  is  holy,  which  temple  ye  are. 

O  thou,  Lord,  who  never  slumberest  nor  sleepest, 
we  humbly  and  heartily  thank  thee,  for  all  thy  good- 
ness and  loving-kindness  this  day.  This  night  let 
thy  holy  angels  be  ministering  spirits  around  us  ; 
and  keep  thou  far  from  us  all  dangers  and  mischiefs 
and  the  fear  of  them,  that  we  may  enjoy  such 
refreshing  sleep  as  may  fit  us  for  the  duties  of  the 
following  day.  Pardon,  for  thy  dear  Son's  sake,  all 
which  we  have  done  amiss  this  day,  and  help  us 
to  be  truly  sorry  for  every  known  sin.  Remember 
for  good  all  forsaken  and  troubled  souls,  all  home- 
less children  and  all  who  have  gone  out  from  their 
homes  into  a  world  full  of  temptation.  Remember 
the  sick  and  friendless ;  the  Bishop  and  all  the 
Clergy  of  this  Diocese;  and  all  thy  whole  Church. 
May  thy  kingdom  come  on  earth,  and  prepare  us  all 
by  thy  Holy  Spirit,  and  through  the  merits  and 
death  of  thy  dear  Son,  for  thy  eternal  kingdom  in 
glory.  All  which  we  ask  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake. 
Amen. 

Wednesday. 

MORNING. 

Let  US,  who  are  of  the  day,  be  sober,  putting  on 
the  breast-plate  of  faith  and  love,  and  for  an  helmet 
the  hope  of  salvation.  If  we  live  in  the  Spirit  let  us 
also  walk  in  the  Spirit.  Let  us  not  be  desirous  of 
vain  glory,  provoking  one  another,  envying  one 
another.  Bear  ye  one  another's  burdens,  and  so 
fulfil  the  law  of  Christ.  Be  kindly  affectioned,  one 
to  another,  with  brotherly  love,  in  honor  preferring 
one  another.  For  as  we  have  many  members  in  one 
body,  and  all  members  have  not  the  same  office,  so 
we  being  many  are  one  body  in  Christ,  and  every 
one  members  one  of  another. 

Bless,  O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  this  household 
with  thy  love  and  favor.  Be  very  gracious  to  all  our 
dear  relatives  wherever  they  may  be.  Give  joy  and 
health    in    their    dwellings.       Gather    into    the    one 


PRAYERS   FOR   THE    HOME.  145 

Catholic  and  Apostolic  Church  our  companions  and 
friends,  bringing  into  the  way  of  truth  all  such  as 
have  erred  and  are  deceived.  Multiply  ministers 
and  missionaries  who  by  a  holy  life  and  sound  doc- 
trine shall  diligently  and  earnestly  preach  thy  Word 
and  rightly  and  duly  administer  thy  holy  sacra- 
ments. Preserve  our  nation  and  defend  our  land. 
Purge  it  of  profanity,  drunkenness,  violence  and 
crime.  May  all  the  laws  and  institutions  of  our 
country  be  conformed  to  the  principles  of  that  ever- 
lasting kingdom  which  is  righteousness,  liberty  and 
peace.  And  wilt  thou  fill  the  whole  world  with  thy 
love  and  thy  glory,  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake.      Amen. 

EVENING. 

There  is  one  Body  and  one  Spirit,  even  as  ye 
are  called  in  one  hope  of  your  calling ;  one  Lord, 
one  Faith,  one  Baptism,  one  God  and  Father  of 
all,  who  is  above  all  and  through  all,  and  in  you 
all.  It  was  needful  for  me  to  write  unto  you  and  ex- 
hort you  that  ye  should  earnestly  contend  for  the 
faith.  Woe  unto  that  man  by  whom  the  Son  of  man 
is  betrayed.  Examine  yourselves  whether  ye  be  in 
the  faith  :  prove  your  own  selves.  For  we  can  do 
nothing  against  the  truth  but  for  the  truth.  And 
I  pray  God  your  whole  body,  soul  and  spirit  may  be 
preserved  blameless  unto  the  coming  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ. 

Lighten  our  darkness,  we  beseech  thee,  O  Lord, 
and  take  us  into  thy  holy  care  and  keeping  for  this 
night.  We  thank  thee  for  wonderfully  and  patiently 
preserving  us,  all  this  day,  from  seen  and  unseen 
dangers  both  of  the  body  and  the  soul.  We  thank 
thee  for  all  that  we  have  learned  and  enjoyed.  May 
thy  continual  goodness  move  us  more  and  more 
to  love  and  serve  thee.  Cleanse  our  evil  hearts 
by  the  precious  blood  of  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ, 
the  Lamb  of  God  who  taketh  away  the  sins  of  the 
world.  Pity  our  weakness,  and  strengthen  us  with 
the  might  of  thy  Holy  Spirit  in  the  inner  man. 
Permit  us  to  go  to  our  rest  with  trust  in  thee,  our 
Heavenly  Father,  and  in  peace  with  each  other  and 
all  mankind,  forgiving  any  who  may  have  offended 
or  injured  us,  as  we  hope  to  be  forgiven.  And  inas- 
much as  our  blessed  Lord,  as  on  this  day  of  the 
week,  was  betrayed  into  the  hands  of  wicked  men, 
save  us,  we  pray  thee,  from  all  heartlessness  towards 
him  and  from  acting  treacherously  towards  one  an- 
other. May  we  be  ready  always  with  holy  courage 
to  confess  and  defend  the  faith  handed  down  to  us 
as  our  heritage  in  thy  Church.  And  being  found 
stedfast  unto  the  end  may  we  have  mercy  in  thy 
judgment,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Thursday. 


Jesus  said,  I  am  the  Bread  of  Life.  He  that 
Cometh  to  me  shall  never  hunger,  and  he  that  be- 
lieveth  on  me  shall  never  thirst.  Verily  I  say  unto 
you,  he  that  heareth  my  word,  and  believeth  on  him 


146  PRAYERS   FOR   THE    HOME. 

that  sent  me,  hath  everlasting-  life,  and  shall  not 
come  into  condemnation,  but  is  passed  from  death 
unto  life. 

Blessed  Lord,  who  hast  given  us  a  new  command- 
ment, that  we  should  love  one  another,  write  that 
law  of  love,  we  beseech  thee,  on  our  hearts.  Help 
us  by  thy  Holy  Spirit  that  all  our  affections  may  be 
pure  and  without  dissimulation.  Keep  us  from  un- 
charitable judgments,  words  and  actions.  Dispose 
us  to  give  gladly  of  such  good  things  as  thou  hast 
given  us  for  the  needy  and  distressed,  for  the  en- 
largement of  thy  kingdom,  and  for  the  glory  of  thy 
great  Name ;  through  him  who  gave  himself  for  us, 
Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son,  our  Lord.     Amen. 


Charity  suffereth  long  and  is  kind  ;  Charity  envieth 
not ;  Charity  vaunteth  not  itself,  is  not  puffed  up, 
doth  not  behave  itself  unseemly,  seeketh  not  her 
own,  is  not  easily  provoked,  thinketh  no  evil,  re- 
joiceth  not  in  iniquity  but  rejoiceth  in  the  truth  ; 
beareth  all  things,  believeth  all  things,  hopeth  all 
things,  endureth  all  things.  Charity  never  faileth. 
And  now  abideth  faith,  hope,  charity,  these  three; 
but  the  greatest  of  these  is  charity. 

O  Lord  God,  Judge  of  all  men,  whose  eyes  are 
everywhere,  beholding  the  evil  and  the  good,  we 
confess  to  thee  our  sins  of  this  day,  and  our  un- 
worthiness  of  thy  constant  care.  Thy  mercy,  O 
Father,  is  greater  than  our  offences.  Lead  us  to 
true  sorrow  for  them,  and  hearty  repentance. 
Grant  us,  for  Christ's  dear  sake,  pardon  for  them 
all,  and  especially  for  our  too  frequent  loss  of  that 
love  which  is  the  fulfilling  of  thy  Law ;  for  thou  art 
love.  Make  us  strong  henceforth  to  do  thy  holy 
will.  Help  us  to  live  every  day  as  if  it  were  to 
be  our  last,  and  make  us  to  be  thy  true  and  loving 
children,  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake.     Amen. 


Friday. 


Behold  the  Lamb  of  God,  which  taketh  away  the 
sin  of  the  world.  This  Man,  after  he  had  offered 
one  sacrifice  for  sins  forever,  sat  down  on  the  right 
hand  of  God.  Let  this  mind  be  in  you  which  was 
also  in  Christ  Jesus,  who  being  in  the  form  of  God 
thought  it  not  robbery  to  be  equal  with  God,  but 
made  himself  of  no  reputation,  and  took  upon  him 
the  form  of  a  servant,  and  was  made  in  the  likeness 
of  men ;  and,  being  found  in  fashion  as  a  man, 
he  humbled  himself  and  became  obedient  unto 
death,  even  the  death  of  the  cross.  Wherefore  God 
hath  highly  exalted  him. 

O  Father  of  mercies,  whose  beloved  Son  was, 
as  on  this  day  of  the  week,  crucified  for  us,  the  just 
for  the  unjust,  to  bring  us  to  thee,  give  grace, 
we  beseech  thee,  to  every  member  of  this  family 
to  look  in  faith  upon  that  cross,  and  to  crucify  our- 


PKAYEKS    FOR    THE    HOME.  147 

selves  upon  it  to  every  impure  desire  and  unchristian 
temper.  May  we  each  learn,  in  humble  devotion  to 
our  Master's  service,  to  deny  ourselves  daily,  for  his 
sake,  and  for  one  another's  sake,  that  we  may  follow 
him.  Remove  from  us  every  corrupt  and  unfaithful 
affection.  May  we  never  be  afraid  to  do  right,  and 
never  dare  to  do  wrong.  And  so,  out  of  the  good 
treasure  of  the  heart,  may  we  be  ever  bringing  forth 
good  things,  to  the  praise  and  glory  of  thy  Name, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


Having  therefore  boldness  to  enter  into  the  holiest 
by  the  blood  of  Jesus,  by  a  new  and  living  way  which 
he  hath  consecrated  for  us,  through  the  vail,  that 
is  to  say  his  flesh,  and  having  an  high  priest  over 
the  house  of  God,  let  us  draw  near  with  a  true  heart 
in  full  assurance  of  faith,  having  our  hearts  sprinkled 
from  an  evil  conscience,  and  our  bodies  washed  with 
pure  water.  Let  us  hold  fast  the  profession  of  our 
faith  without  wavering,  for  he  is  faithful  that  prom- 
ised. And  let  us  consider  one  another,  to  provoke 
unto  love  and  to  good  works  :  not  forgetting  the  as- 
sembling of  ourselves  together,  as  the  manner  of 
some  is,  but  exhorting  one  another,  and  so  much  the 
more  as  ye  see  the  day  approaching. 

O  thou  good  and  faithful  Shepherd,  who  didst  not 
leave  thy  sheep  but  didst  die  for  them,  and  who,  in 
order  to  save  us  thy  people  from  eternal  death,  didst 
suffer  every  bitter  pain  of  body  and  soul,  look  merci- 
fully upon  us  ;  leave  us  not  to  the  punishments  which 
our  self-indulgence  and  wrong-doing  deserve  ;  con- 
tinue thy  loving  kindness  to  us  ;  hide  us  under  the 
shadow  of  thy  wings ;  put  away  from  us  anger, 
envying,  and  the  lusts  of  the  flesh  and  the  pride 
of  life  ;  give  us  more  and  more  of  thine  own  patience, 
gentleness,  long-suffering  and  humility  ;  graciously 
accept  our  poor  endeavors  to  draw  near  to  thee,  and 
bring  us  to  that  everlasting  day,  where  thou,  O 
Christ,  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost  livest 
and  reignest,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


Saturday. 


Draw  nigh  to  God  and  he  will  draw  nigh  to  you. 
Ask  and  ye  shall  receive;  seek  and  ye  shall  find. 
Let  us  search  and  try  our  ways,  and  turn  again  unto 
the  Lord.  The  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  over  the 
righteous  and  his  ears  are  open  unto  their  prayers. 
God  shall  bring  every  work  into  judgment,  with 
every  secret  thing,  whether  it  be  good  or  whether  it 
be  evil.  They  said  unto  Peter  and  to  the  rest  of  the 
Apostles,  Men  and  brethren,  what  shall  we  do  ? 
Then  Peter  said  unto  them.  Repent  and  be  baptized, 
every  one  of  you,  in  the  Name  of  Jesus  Christ.  For 
the  promise  is  unto  you  and  to  your  children,  and  to 
all  that  are  afar  off,  even  as  many  as  the  Lord  our 
God  shall  call. 


148  PRAYERS   FOR   THE    HOME. 

O  Lord  God  Almighty,  who  art  without  beginning 
of  days  and  end  of  years,  grant  unto  us  thy  children 
such  a  measure  of  thy  grace  that  running  in  the  way 
of  thy  commandments  we  may  attain  at  length  to  the 
fulfillment  of  thy  heavenly  promises.  Thou  who 
hast  declared  to  us  in  thy  holy  Word  that  except  a 
man  be  born  of  water  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost  he  can- 
not enter  thy  kingdom,  may  we  be  saved  at  last  by 
that  true  baptism  which  is  the  answer  of  a  good  con- 
science towards  God.  Cleanse  our  hearts  that  our 
outward  lives  may  be  clean.  Guide  us  by  thy  coun- 
sel here  and  afterwards  receive  us*  to  thy  glory, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


Lord,  thou  hast  been  our  dwelling  place  in  all 
generations.  A  thousand  years  in  thy  sight  are  but 
as  yesterday  when  it  is  past,  and  as  a  watch  in  the 
night.  So  teach  us  to  number  our  days  that  we  may 
apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom.  Let  thy  work  appear 
unto  thy  servants,  and  thy  glory  unto  their  children. 
Let  the  beauty  of  the  Lord  our  God  be  upon  us,  and 
establish  thou  the  work  of  our  hands  upon  us.  The 
Lord  is  at  hand.  Be  careful  for  nothing,  but  in 
everything,  by  prayer  and  supplication,  with  thanks- 
giving, let  your  requests  be  made  known  unto  God. 
And  the  peace  of  God,  which  passeth  all  understand- 
ing, shall  keep  your  hearts  and  minds  through  Jesus 
Christ. 

O  holy  and  most  merciful  Father,  whose  most  dear 
Son  Jesus  Christ,  did  as  on  this  day  of  the  week  lie 
in  the  grave,  all  the  travail  of  his  soul  and  the 
agonies  of  his  body  being  past,  grant  that  by  his 
blessed  ministry  and  mediation  we  may  become  dead 
unto  sin  and  freed  from  all  its  power.  Give  us  grace 
while  yet  we  have  our  dwelling  and  our  daily  and  our 
weekly  tasks  in  this  world  to  be  ever  looking  forward 
to  that  rest  which  remaineth  for  thy  people.  Receive 
our  humble  and  hearty  thanks  for  all  thy  forbearing 
goodness  to  us  through  this  week  now  drawing  to  a 
close.  Prepare  us  for  the  sacred  employments  and 
the  reverent  worship  of  another  of  the  days  of  the 
Son  of  man.  Seeing  how  short  our  time  is,  may  we 
be  found  diligent  in  thy  work,  fervent  in  spirit, 
serving  the  Lord.  Suffer  no  stain  of  unforgiven  sin 
to  linger  in  our  hearts,  but  pardon  and  accept  us  for 
the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ  thy  Son  our  Lord.     Amen. 


Special  Prayers  for  the  Family. 


For  Mutual  Love. 

O  God,  who  art  the  God  of  all  the  families  of  the 
earth,  and  who  hast  so  constituted  our  households 
that  they  may  be  aids  to  holiness  and  to  heaven, 
breathe   thy    Holy   Spirit   into   each  of  our   hearts, 


PRAYERS  FOR  THE  HOME.         149 

and  help  us  to  feel  the  power  of  personal  godliness. 
Knit  us  together  in  Christian  love  and  mutual  kind- 
ness. Help  each  one  to  fill  the  position  which  thou 
hast  assigned  him  with  a  single  eye  to  thy  glory,  and 
a  sincere  desire  for  the  benefit  of  all  those  who  are 
associated  with  us.  Give  us  grace  to  cultivate 
personal  communion  with  thee,  that  so  we  may  walk 
together  in  unity  and  godly  love,  and  help  each  other 
on  in  the  way  to  heaven.  Bless  us  and  make  us 
a  blessing,  that  our  home  on  earth  may  be  a  prepa- 
ration for  our  home  in  heaven.  Grant  this,  O  Lord, 
for  thy  dear  Son's  sake.     Amen. 

On  Removing  to  a  new  Home. 

O  Lord  our  God,  who  hast  determined  the  times 
before  appointed  and  the  bounds  of  our  habitation  ; 
We  pray  unto  thee  to  prosper  this  change  in  our 
dwelling-place,  not  only  to  our  spiritual  and  temporal 
good,  but  also  to  that  of  others.  We  heartily  thank 
thee  for  all  thy  past  mercies,  and  beseech  thee  to 
grant  that,  with  a  new  abode,  we  may  begin  a  new 
life,  and  still  more  abundantly  partake  of  thy  grace 
and  goodness.  May  this  house  be  to  us  a  peaceable 
habitation,  and  a  sure  dwelling,  and  a  quiet  resting- 
place.  Above  all,  be  thou,  O  Lord,  our  dwelling- 
place  in  all  generations,  and  our  strong  habitation 
whereunto  we  may  always  resort,  for  the  sake  of 
Jesus  Christ,  our  Saviour  and  Redeemer.     Amen. 


For  an  Husband  and  Wife. 

O  merciful  God,  we  humbly  beseech  thee  to  send 
thy  blessing  continually  upon  us,  and  to  make  us 
thankful  for  all  that  thou  hast  already  vouchsafed 
unto  us ;  and  as  thou  hast  made  us  one  in  the 
mystical  grace  of  matrimony,  grant  that  we  may  be 
also  inwardly  of  one  heart  and  of  one  mind,  paying 
due  honor  one  to  another,  united  in  love  to  thee  and 
to  each  other  in  thee  ;  living  together  in  peace  and 
holiness  as  faithful  members  of  thy  Church,  denying 
ourselves,  and  being  a  mutual  help,  comfort  and 
support  to  each  other  all  the  days  of  our  life.  [Give 
us  grace  to  train  our  children  in  thy  faith  and  fear.] 
Bless  us  with  health  and  strength,  if  it  be  thy  will ; 
and  with  whatever  else  thy  good  providence  shall  see 
to  be  best  for  our  souls  and  bodies.  Fit  and  pre- 
pare us  day  by  day  for  our  departure  hence,  that  we 
may  together  inherit  eternal  life  in  thy  heavenly 
kingdom,  through  the  merits  of  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord  and  Saviour.      Amen. 


At  the  Birth  of  a  Child. 

Lord  Jesus  Christ,  thou  tender  Shepherd  of  the 
sheep,  who  dost  carry  the  lambs  in  thine  arms,  and 
gently  lead  them  that  are  with  young,  be  gracious  to 
the  lamb  thou  hast  added  to  thine  earthly  flock. 
Take  the  infant  into  thine  arms  as  thou  didst  take 
the  children  in  the  dajs  of  thy  humiliation,  and 
didst  bless    them.      Temper  the  wind  to  the  shorn 


150  PRAYERS   FOR   THE    HOME. 

lamb,  and  give  it  covert  beneath  the  shadow  of  thy 
wings.  Grant  that  it  may  be  written  in  heaven, 
as  it  was  recorded  of  thyself,  that  the  child  grew  in 
wisdom  and  in  stature,  and  in  favor  with  God  and 
man.  And  to  thee,  O  Saviour,  with  the  Father  and 
the  Holy  Spirit,  be  all  the  praise  now  and  forever. 
Amen. 

Before  the  Baptism  of  a  CJiild. 

O  Almighty  God  and  heavenly  Father,  we  humbly 
commend  to  thy  fatherly  blessing  and  care,  the  child 
of  this  family,  who  is  this  day  to  be  brought  to  thy 
holy  Baptism.  Bless  //////,  and  sanctify  him,  we  be- 
seech thee,  and  grant  that,  being  baptized  with  the 
Holy  Ghost  and  received  into  thy  Church,  Iw  may 
continue  thy  servant  unto  liis  life's  end,  and  finally 
be  united  to  all  the  saved  in  thy  kingdom  ;  through 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


For  Children  of  the  Family. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  hast  redeemed  us  with 
thy  most  precious  blood ;  Visit  and  quicken,  we 
humbly  beseech  thee,  the  children  of  this  household, 
whom  thou  by  holy  Baptism  hast  made  members  of 
thee,  their  Head  and  Saviour,  and  united  into  thy 
family.  As  thou  hast  thus  brought  them  into  thy 
fold,  so  do  thou  help  them  by  thy  right  hand  :  count 
them  with  thy  lambs,  govern  them  by  thy  love, 
direct  them  in  thy  way.  Make  them  reverent  and 
holy  ;  teachable  and  observant  of  all  heavenly  pre- 
cepts ;  temperate  and  chaste  in  their  lives ;  dutiful 
and  loving  toward  their  parents ;  gentle,  patient, 
and  courteous  to  all.  So,  Lord,  do  thou  adorn  them 
with  the  graces  of  thy  Spirit,  assist  them  with  thy 
tender  compassion,  and  sanctify  them  by  thy  truth, 
that  they  may  grow  up  in  thy  holy  ways,  and  render 
acceptable  praise  and  adoration  to  thee,  with  the 
Father,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

For  CJiildren  at  School. 

Almighty  God,  from  whom  cometh  every  good  and 
perfect  gift ;  We  pray  thee  to  direct,  assist,  and 
bless  the  children  of  this  family  who  are  under  in- 
struction. Father  of  lights,  enlighten  their  minds  ; 
preserve  them  from  error,  and  lead  them  into  the 
right  knowledge  of  all  truth.  Grant  that  they  may 
earnestly  devote  themselves  to  whatsoever  studies  or 
pursuits  thy  providence  shall  call  them  ;  and  adorn 
them  with  that  modesty  and  humbleness  of  spirit 
which  thou  delightest  to  reward.  Give  them  healthy 
minds,  upright  and  faithful  hearts,  singly  devoted  to 
please  thee  ;  that  they  may  be  comforts  to  their 
parents,  and  sincere  members  of  Christ's  Body,  the 
Church.  Imbue  their  spirits  with  the  heavenly 
treasures  of  wisdom  laid  up  in  thy  holy  Scriptures, 
which  are  able  to  make  them  wise  unto  salvation  : 
and  let  thy  Word  be  their  ruler  and  guide  in  so  dis- 
charging the  duties  of  this  life,  that  they  may  not 
fail  to  attain  the  heavenly  life  ;  through  the  merits 
of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  FOR  THE  HOME.         151 

Spojisors  for  Children . 

O  heavenly  Father,  look  graciously,  we  beseech 
thee,  upon  thy  children  to  whom  by  thy  calling  we 
stand  in  the  holy  relationship  of  sponsors,  that  the 
life  of  thine  incarnate  Son  into  whom  they  are  new- 
born by  the  operation  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  may  ever 
perfect  them  according  to  thy  will.  Grant  that  they, 
with  pure  hearts,  attaining  the  years  of  discretion, 
may  speedily  receive  the  strengthening  of  Confir- 
mation, the  nourishment  and  support  continually  of 
the  Holy  Communion,  and  that,  renouncing  all  sin, 
believing  all  thy  truth,  seeking  all  thy  command- 
ments, they  may  in  the  grace  of  the  Holy  Sacra- 
ments attain  everlasting  life  ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 


For  Absent  Members  of  the  Family. 

O  God,  who  art  everywhere  present,  look  down 
with  thy  mercy  upon  those  who  are  absent  from  us. 
Give  thy  holy  angels  charge  over  them,  and  grant 
that  by  the  light  of  thy  divine  inspiration,  and  the 
gifts  of  thy  bountiful  providence,  they  may  be  pro- 
tected in  body,  soul  and  spirit,  and  presented  fault- 
less before  the  presence  of  thy  glory  with  exceeding 
joy  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


After  the  Marriage  of  any  Member  of  the 

Family. 

O  Lord  God,  who  hast  this  day  joined  together 
thy  servants  in  holy  matrimony,  be  merciful  unto 
them,  and  bless  them  ;  that  being  more  and  more 
united  to  one  another  in  thy  dear  Son,  they  may 
serve  thee  in  all  holy  fear  and  love,  and  living 
together  as  heirs  of  the  same  grace,  may  become 
meet  for  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  glory. 
Grant  this,  O  heavenly  Father,  for  Jesus  Christ's 
sake.     Amen. 

At  a  Marriage  Anniversary . 

Almighty  God,  who  didst  institute  the  holy  estate 
of  matrimony  for  the  mutual  help  and  comfort  of 
thy  children  ;  We  thank  thee  that  thou  hast  pre- 
served these  thy  servants  to  this  hour.  We  praise 
thee  for  thy  goodness  to  them  in  making  their  union 
one  of  love,  peace  and  happiness,  and  that  through 
thy  grace  they  have  been  enabled  to  keep  the  vow 
and  covenant  betwixt  them  made.  Protect  them,  we 
beseech  thee,  through  the  years  to  come,  and  multi- 
ply thy  blessings  upon  them.  May  they  abound  in 
love,  and  bear  together  willingly  the  burdens  of  life. 
Encourage  and  sustain  them  in  all  godly  living,  and 
may  their  home  continue  to  be  a  place  of  prayer, 
consecration  and  joy.  Let  thy  benediction  rest 
upon  them  to  their  life's  end,  and  finally  give  them  a 
joyful  entrance  into  thy  blessed  kingdom  ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


152  PRAYERS   FOR   THE    HOME. 

After  a  DeatJi  in  the  Family . 

O  God,  who  orderest  all  things  in  heaven  and 
in  earth,  who  hast  been  pleased  in  thy  wise  provi- 
dence to  take  out  of  this  world  the  soul  of  our 
deceased  brotlie^-,  enable  us  to  submit  in  faith  and 
patience  to  this  thy  dispensation,  and  both  to  see  and 
feel  thy  love  and  mercy  in  it.  Teach  us,  O  Lord, 
the  shortness  and  uncertainty  of  human  life,  and  so 
to  remember  our  days  that  we  may  apply  our  hearts 
unto  wisdom.  Protect,  sanctify,  and  guide  us  to 
the  end,  that,  living  in  thy  faith  and  fear,  we  may  at 
last  be  gathered  to  thy  saints  in  peace ;  through 
him  who  died  for  us,  Christ  Jesus  our  Redeemer. 
Amen. 

For  Resignation  when   Calamity  Befalls  a 
Family. 

O  Lord  God,  good  and  gracious,  whose  mercy 
endureth  for  ever  ;  Give  us  now  a  surer  trust  in  thee, 
and  an  entire  submission  to  thy  divine  will.  Sup- 
port us  under  our  present  trial,  and  suffer  us  not  to 
be  dispirited  and  cast  down  by  fears  and  anxieties 
about  the  future.  If  this  trial  is  permitted  to  punish 
us  for  our  past  sins,  to  render  us  more  humble,  or  to 
exercise  our  patience  and  trust  in  thee,  make  us  sub- 
missive and  content  to  bear  it ;  and  grant  that, 
setting  our  affections  on  things  above  and  not  on 
things  on  the  earth,  we  may  be  enabled  by  thy  grace 
to  live  a  life  of  faith,  of  fortitude,  and  duty,  and 
die  in  thy  favor;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


PRAYERS  FOR  STATE  AND  NATION.      153 


Prayers  for  m  State  and 
nation. 

Prayers  for  the  State. 


Save,  O  God,  the  State  from  evil  and  designing 
men,  from  corruption  in  social  and  political  life, 
from  crime,  intemperance,  dishonesty  and  every 
false  way.  Prosper  every  good  purpose  and  over- 
turn every  evil  one,  that  thy  Name  may  be  honored  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Vouchsafe  thy  blessing.  Almighty  God,  on  this 
Commonwealth.  Build  it  up,  and  sustain  it  in 
righteousness.  Give  the  spirit  of  obedience  to  law 
to  all  our  people.  Protect  our  homes,  secure  us  our 
liberties,  strengthen  us  in  religion  and  education, 
surround  us  with  uplifting  influences  and  make  our 
State  the  abode  of  peace  and  prosperity.  Commit 
the  guidance  of  our  affairs  to  the  hands  of  the 
upright  and  conscientious,  so  that  every  virtue  may 
flourish  and  the  kingdom  of  thy  Son  be  exalted; 
through  the  same  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

For  tJie  Governor  of  the  State. 

Almighty  God,  by  whom  kings  reign  and  princes 
decree  justice,  look  with  thy  favor  upon  thy  servant, 
the  Governor  of  this  Commonwealth.  Endue  him 
with  thy  Holy  Spirit,  and  enrich  him  with  thy  heavenly 
grace.  Dispose  and  turn  his  heart  as  it  seemetb 
best  to  thy  Godly  wisdom,  that  he,  knowing  whose 
minister  he  is,  may,  above  all  things,  seek  thy  honor 
and  glory :  Prosper  him  with  all  happiness,  and 
bring  him  to  thine  everlasting  kingdom  ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

For  the  State  Legislature. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  Creator  and  Ruler 
of  men ;  We  beseech  thee  to  bless  the  members 
of  the  Legislature  of  this  State,  in  all  their  consul- 
tations. Protect  them  from  selfish  interests  and 
prejudices,  and  give  them  the  spirit  of  true  and  wise 
statesmen.  Guide  them  by  thy  heavenly  counsel 
that  their  legislation  may  result  in  the  maintenance 
of  peace  and  prosperity,  religion  and  justice.  We 
ask  it  in  the  Name  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

For  Rulers  and  People. 

O  God,  the  Sovereign  Lord  and  King,  who  hast 
given   unto  men  the  administration  of  government 


154      PRAYERS  FOR  STATE  AND  NATION. 

upon  earth,  we  make  our  supplications  unto  thee,  for 
all  those  who  have  that  trust  committed  to  their 
hands.  Enable  them,  we  pray  thee,  to  fulfil  the 
same  to  thy  honor  and  the  welfare  of  the  nations 
among  whom  they  rule.  Especially  we  implore  thy 
favor  on  thy  servants,  the  President  of  the  United 
States,  the  Governor  of  the  State,  and  all  who  have 
the  making  or  the  executing  of  law  in  the  land. 
Endue  them  with  uprightness  and  wisdom,  with 
firmness  and  clemency,  remembering  whose  min- 
isters they  are,  and  the  account  which  they  must 
render  at  thy  throne.  To  the  people  of  all  ranks 
and  conditions  among  us,  give  the  spirit  of  obedience 
to  government,  and  of  contentment  under  its  pro- 
tection, in  leading  peaceable  and  honest  lives.  Let 
the  righteousness  prevail  which  exalteth  a  nation, 
and,  throughout  our  land,  let  the  Name  of  thy  Son 
be  acknowledged  as  King  of  kings,  and  Lord  of 
lords,  to  thy  honor  and  glory,  who  art  God  over  all, 
blessed  for  evermore.     Amen. 

O  Almighty  Lord,  who  fashionest  the  hearts  of 
men  and  considerest  all  their  works ;  Grant,  we 
beseech  thee,  to  us  and  to  all  the  people  of  this  land, 
the  spirit  of  obedience  to  thy  commandments  ;  that, 
walking  humbly  in  thy  fear,  we  may,  under  thy 
mighty  protection,  continue  to  dwell  in  righteous- 
ness and  peace.  Defend  our  liberties  ;  preserve  our 
unity ;  save  us  from  lawlessness,  dishonesty  and 
violence ;  from  discord  and  confusion  ;  from  pride 
and  arrogance,  and  from  every  evil  way.  Continue 
thy  goodness  to  us,  that  the  heritage  received  from 
our  fathers  may  be  preserved  in  our  time  and  trans- 
mitted, unimpaired,  to  the  generations  to  come  ;  that 
all  nations  of  the  earth  may  know  that  thou,  O  Lord, 
art  our  Saviour  and  mighty  Deliverer  and  our  King 
forever.  Grant  this,  we  beseech  thee,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


At  the  Raising  of  a  Flag. 

O  Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  King  of  kings 
and  Lord  of  lords,  who  hast  constituted  the  services 
of  angels  and  men  in  a  wonderful  order,  and  having 
divided  the  human  race  into  nations,  appointed  the 
archangel  Michael  prince  over  Judah,  as  guardian 
and  protector,  continue,  we  beseech  thee,  the  favor 
thou  hast  ever  shown  to  the  United  States  of 
America,  since  thou  hast  made  us  a  nation  :  and 
may  the  guardianship  of  thy  most  powerful  angels 
secure  to  us  the  respect  of  the  peoples  of  the  earth. 
Bless  the  flag,  now  to  be  raised  heavenward,  that  it 
may  ever  wave  as  the  symbol  of  a  nation  exalted  by 
righteousness.  And  forasmuch  as  righteousness  can 
only  come  through  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost  sent 
down  upon  thy  holy  Catholic  Church,  on  the  day  of 
Pentecost,  which  Church  thou  hast  made  the  way  of 
salvation,  bless  with  abundant  blessings  the  Church 
of  America.  May  it,  by  the  power  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  walk  answerably  to  its  high  calling  and 
leaven  the  nation.  Bless  all  who  love  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  in  sincerity  and  truth,  and  prosper  the 
works  undertaken    by  them  for    the  welfare  of    the 


PR  A  VERS   FOR   STATE   AND   NATION.  155 

people.  As  we  look  up  to  the  flag,  may  the  blue  of 
its  union  direct  our  thoughts  to  the  higher  blue  of 
the  sky,  reminding  us  that  heaven  is  our  home, 
in  which  the  righteous  shall  shine  as  the  stars  in  the 
firmament.  Hear  us  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ, 
our  Lord,  who  livest  and  reignest  with  thee  and  the 
Holy  Ghost,  ever  one  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

///  time  of  Civil  Discord. 

O  God,  our  refuge  and  strength,  who  orderest  all 
things  in  heaven  and  earth,  we  flee  to  thee  for  succor 
in  this  our  time  of  trouble.  Look  down  with  thy 
mercy  on  us.  Remember  not  our  iniquities,  nor  the 
iniquities  of  our  forefathers,  neither  take  thou 
vengeance  of  our  sins.  Deliver  us,  O  Lord,  from 
blood-guiltiness  ;  preserve  us  from  open  violence  and 
secret  conspiracy.  Pour  out  upon  us,  and  on  all  the 
people  of  this  land,  the  spirit  of  grace  and  suppli- 
cation, and  join  us  together  in  piety,  loyalty,  and 
brotherly  love.  Direct  the  counsels,  and  strengthen 
the  hands  of  all  in  authority,  for  the  repression 
of  crime  and  outrage,  the  maintenance  of  order  and 
law,  and  of  public  peace  and  safety  ;  so  that  leading 
quiet  lives  in  all  godliness  and  honesty,  we  may 
be  thy  people,  and  thou  mayest  vouchsafe  to  be  our 
God ;  and  that  we  may  bless  and  glorify  thee,  our 
Defender  and  mighty  Deliverer,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


For  the  Army  and  Navy. 

Bless,  O  Lord,  our  soldiers  and  sailors,  of  what- 
ever rank  or  qualitv  ;  Grant  that  in  the  midst  of 
every  temptation  which  besets  them  they  may  fight 
manfully  against  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the  devil  ; 
and,  resisting  all  evil  by  the  spirit  of  thy  ghostly 
strength,  may  acquire  true  courage  in  the  victory  of 
faith.  Prosper  them  in  the  maintenance  of  our 
country's  honor,  and  keep  them  safe  from  enemies 
spiritual  and  temporal,  that  they  may  glorify  thee 
upon  the  earth  until  they  are  called  to  rest  in  the 
trinmph  of  thy  glory ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 


For  the  Reign  of  Peace. 

O  Prince  of  Peace,  govern  in  our  hearts,  dispelling 
all  angry  passions  and  ill-will,  and  all  that  is  dis- 
cordant with  the  harmony  of  thy  rule.  Sway  the 
nations  of  the  earth.  Put  an  end  to  their  enmities 
and  strifes.  Hasten  the  time  when  they  shall  pre- 
pare for  war  no  more,  and  rest  secure  in  thine 
empire  of  peace,  to  the  glory  of  thee,  and  of  the 
Father,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 


156    PRAYERS  FOR  COLLEGES  AND  SCHOOLS. 


Prayers  for  Colka«,  Schools 

and 

€baritabk  Tnstitutions. 

* 
Prayers  for  Colleges  and  Schools. 


Almighty  God,  the  fountain  of  all  wisdom,  the  true 
light  which  lighteth  every  man  that  cometh  into  the 
world  ;  We  beseech  thee,  regard  with  thy  favor  and 
visit  with  thy  blessing  the  colleges  and  schools  in  our 
land.  Assist  all  who  are  guardians  of  their  interests. 
Secure  to  them  the  means  of  their  usefulness.  En- 
due all  those  who  are  teachers  with  a  serious  sense 
of  their  charge,  and  wisdom  and  strength  for  its 
fulfilment.  Bless  the  students  with  health  ;  make 
them  to  be  diligent  and  faithful  in  study.  Guard 
their  inexperience,  and  carry  them  safely  through 
all  temptations.  Teach  them  how  to  cleanse  their 
path  so  as  to  keep  it  according  to  thy  Word.  Inspire 
them  with  high  hopes  and  worthy  purposes,  and  so 
prepare  them  to  fulfil  their  course  with  honor, 
fidelity  and  success  in  this  life,  that  they  may  attain 
the  glorious  destiny  to  which  thou  dost  call  them  in 
the  life  to  come  ;  through  the  redemption  that  is  in 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Bless,  O  Lord,  this  college,  and  grant  that  every 
one  therein  may  perceive  and  know  what  things  he 
ought  to  do,  and  also  may  have  strength  and  power 
faithfully  to  perform  the  same.  Give  wisdom  unto 
those  who  administer  its  government  and  discipline, 
and  to  all  those  who  impart  instruction,  as  also  to  all 
the  students,  according  to  their  duties  and  the 
necessities  of  their  youth.  And  grant  that  by  thy 
special  favor,  on  which  we  humbly  depend,  this 
college  may  be  enriched  with  all  temporal  and 
spiritual  good,  to  the  great  increase  and  welfare  of 
thy  holy  Apostolic  Church,  and  to  the  glory  of  thy 
holy  Name ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  blessed 
Saviour  and  Redeemer.      Amen. 


For  Founders  and  Benefactors. 

Blessed  be  thy  Name,  O  Lord,  for  the  happy 
memory  of  the  founders  and  benefactors  of  this 
College,  and  for  all  who  befriend  it  by  their  labors 
and  their  prayers.  Raise  up  many  helpers  to  en- 
large and  adorn  it,  granting  unto  them  that  wisdom 
through  which  an  house  is  builded  and  the  under- 
standing by  which  it  is  established  ;  that  so  by 
knowledge  its  chambers  may  be  filled  with  all 
precious   and    pleasant    riches.      For  the  silver  and 


\     PRAYERS  FOR  COLLEGES  AND  SCHOOLS.   157 

the  gold  are  thine,  O  Lord  our  God,  and  all  things 
come  of  thee ;  therefore  unto  thee  we  look  for  all 
that  we  desire  ;  as  for  all  thou  hast  done  for  us,  we 
praise  and  bless  thy  glorious  Name  ;  through  Jesus 
Christ,  our  Strength  and  our  Redeemer.     Amen. 

Daily  Prayer  for  a  School. 

O  God,  who  knowest  that  we  are  not  able  to  be- 
liev^e  or  do  what  is  right  without  thy  special  grace ; 
Bless,  we  pray  thee,  our  work  in  this  school  to-day  ; 
keep  far  from  us  all  pride  and  covetousness,  lust  and 
anger,  envy,  impatience,  discontent  and  idleness. 
Grant  that  those  who  teach  may  do  it  with  earnest- 
ness and  patience,  as  in  thy  sight,  and  for  thy  sake  ; 
and  give  to  all  thy  children  an  humble  and  teachable 
spirit,  that  each  in  his  appointed  state,  may  learn 
more  and  more  to  love  and  serve  thee,  and  finally, 
through  that  knowledge,  may  come  to  everlasting 
life  ;  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

For  past  Members  of  a  School. 

Bless,  O  Lord,  all  who  have  ever  belonged  to  this 
school,  and  who  yet  survive  ;  and  make  precious 
unto  us  the  good  examples  of  such  as  have  departed 
this  life  in  thy  faith  and  fear,  that  with  them  we 
may  be  partakers  of  thy  heavenly  kingdom.  All 
which  we  beg  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

For  Students  in  Divinity. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  bless,  we  beseech  thee,  all 
those  who  are  preparing  for  the  work  of  the  ministry 
in  thy  holy  Church.  Give  them  that  wisdom  which 
cometh  from  above,  and  that  gentleness  which  be- 
cometh  the  gospel  of  peace.  Make  them  to  be 
diligent  in  the  study  of  thy  Word,  and  teach  them  by 
thy  Spirit  that  they  may  be  enabled  to  teach  others. 
Take  from  them  the  spirit  of  worldliness,  and  give 
them  grace,  that  they  may  cultivate  that  holiness  of 
life,  which  is  required  of  those  who  bear  the  vessels 
of  the  Lord.  May  they  be  instant  in  season  and  out 
of  season,  willing  to  spend  and  be  spent,  in  the  great 
work  to  which  they  are  called,  and  may  they  do  all 
things  to  thy  glory,  who,  with  the  Father  and  the 
Holy  Ghost,  art  one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

For  Medical  Students. 

Almighty  Lord,  who  hast  made  our  bodies  to 
be  the  temples  of  the  Holy  Ghost ;  Give,  we  pray 
thee,  to  all  those  who  are  engaged  in  the  study  of 
man's  physical  nature,  that  reverence  for  thee  and 
for  thy  works  which  will  lead  them  to  love  and  adore 
thy  Name.  When  called  to  minister  to  the  suffering 
may  they  by  their  godly  example  influence  the  souls 
as  well  as  the  bodies  of  the  sick.  While  they  seek 
to  heal  others,  may  they  also  be  healed  of  every 
spiritual  ill ;  through  the  great  Physician  of  souls, 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


158   PRAYERS  FOR  COLLEGES  AND  SCHOOLS. 

For  Reforjuatoiy  Schools. 

Deliver,  O  most  merciful  God,  those  little  ones  of 
thy  flock  who,  whether  through  the  neglect  of  their 
parents  or  the  stubbornness  of  their  own  evil  nature, 
have  fallen  into  manifest  sin.  Remember  not  the 
offences  of  their  youth,  but  set  them  free  from  the 
snare  of  the  enemy.  Prosper  with  the  help  of  thy 
Holy  Spirit  the  endeavors  of  all  who  are  seeking 
to  train  them  for  good.  Grant  that,  following  after 
humility,  and  being  made  partakers  of  thy  heavenly 
wisdom,  they  may  be  strengthened  to  the  perform- 
ance of  thy  will,  and  sheltered  evermore  by  thy 
fatherly  protection,  so  that  in  the  joy  of  thy  presence 
they  may  be  restored  as  true  penitents  to  the  perfect 
fellowship  of  thy  saints  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.      Amen. 

For  an  Hospital. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  great  and  only  Physician 
of  the  soul  and  the  body  ;  Send  thy  blessing  upon 
the  inmates  of  this  institution  who  are  suffering  from 
sickness.  Give  them  sorrow  for  sin  and  an  humble 
dependence  upon  thy  mercy,  and  grant  that  their 
afflictions  may  quicken  their  faith  and  love.  If  it 
be  thy  will,  restore  them  to  health  and  usefulness, 
that  they  may  praise  thee  for  thy  goodness  during 
the  residue  of  their  days.  If  in  thy  wisdom,  thou 
hast  appointed  otherwise,  give  them  a  resigned  will 
and  a  peaceful  heart,  that  they  may  commit  them- 
selves to  thy  keeping,  thou  merciful  Judge  of  the 
quick  and  dead ;  to  whom,  with  the  Father  and  the 
Holy  Ghost,  be  all  the  glory,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

For  an  Home  for  Orphan  and  Destitute 
Children . 

O  Almighty  God,  the  Father  of  the  fatherless,  and 
the  Friend  of  the  friendless;  We  commend  to  thy 
protection  the  inmates  of  this  Home,  and  all  who 
pray,  or  give,  or  labor  to  help  its  loving  work.  Bless 
the  children,  and  give  them  an  heart  ever  thankful,  a 
mind  ever  teachable,  and  a  will  always  obedient  to 
thee  and  to  those  whom  thou  hast  in  thy  love  placed 
over  them.  Keep  them  in  health  and  strength  ;  be 
with  them  in  their  studies,  tasks  and  plays.  Protect 
them  under  thy  wing  from  every  assault  and  temp- 
tation of  the  devil.  Let  thy  Holy  Spirit  be  with 
them  and  teach  them  more  and  more  to  renounce  all 
the  sinful  desires  of  their  hearts,  to  believe  all  the 
articles  of  the  Christian  faith,  and  obediently  to 
keep  thy  holy  will  and  commandments.  May  they 
be  so  truly  children  of  God,  and  members  of  Christ, 
that  they  fail  not  finally  to  inherit  thine  everlasting 
kingdom.  All  which  we  ask  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake. 
Amen. 

For  the  Insane. 

O  Lord,  whose  ways  are  past  finding  out ;  We 
pray  thee  of  thy  great  goodness  to  look  upon  these 


PRAYERS  FOR  SCHOOLS  AND  COLLEGES.         159 

thy  servants  whom  thou  hast  afflicted  with  weakness 
and  darkness  of  mind ;  grant  unto  them  to  be 
strengthened  and  enlightened  with  thy  spirit  in  the 
inner  man,  that  they  to  whom  thou  hast  denied 
earthly  wisdom  may  be  filled  with  that  knowledge  of 
thee  which  passeth  all  understanding  ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

For  the  Deaf  and  Diitnb. 

O  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  whose  dearly  be- 
loved Son  Jesus  Christ,  when  he  dwelt  on  earth, 
went  about  doing  good,  unstopping  the  ears  of  the 
deaf,  and  loosening  the  tongues  of  the  dumb;  Look 
down  with  loving  eyes  upon  all  thy  deaf  and  mute 
children,  and  give  them  the  special  blessing  of  thy 
mercy  and  grace.  Let  thy  Fatherly  hand  ever  be 
over  them,  let  thy  Holy  Spirit  e\'er  be  with  them  ; 
so  that  they  may  learn  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus, 
and  believe  in  and  rest  upon  him  as  the  Saviour  of 
their  souls,  and  find  in  him  that  joy  and  peace  which 
the  Holy  Ghost  alone  can  ^bestow.  Be  with  them, 
we  beseech  thee,  in  all  the  trials  and  duties  and 
dangers  of  this  life,  and  may  they  so  live  in  thy  fear 
and  love  here,  that  in  the  world  to  come  they  may 
ever,  with  open  ears  and  loving  tongues,  show  forth 
thy  praise  in  thy  heavenly  kingdom.  Hear  us,  O 
Lord  God,  through  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  to  whom, 
with  thee,  O  Father,  and  thee,  O  Holy  Ghost,  be  all 
honor  and  glory,  now  and  forever.     Amen. 


For  the  Blind. 

O  God,  who  hast  sent  thy  Son  to  be  the  true  Light 
of  the  world  ;  Grant  that  they  who  cannot  see  the 
things  of  the  world  may  be  the  more  fully  en- 
lightened and  comforted  by  his  inward  guidance. 
Cheer  them  in  their  blindness  with  thy  heavenly 
manifestations.  Show  thyself  to  such  as  know  thee 
not,  and  grant  that  they  may  thankfully  accept  the 
loss  of  earthly  sight,  as  the  means  ordained  of  thee 
for  bringing  their  hearts  to  the  contemplation  of  their 
own  misery  and  of  thy  holiness.  Quicken  those  who 
know  thee  by  faith  to  a  deeper  intuition  of  thy 
purity,  that,  beholding  thee  with  increasing  love, 
they  may  become  the  more  conformed  to  thine 
image,  until  they  behold  thee  as  thou  art,  and  awake 
to  the  full  revelation  of  thy  glory ;  through  the  same 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


For  an  Home  for  the  Aged. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  strength  of  all  that  put 
their  trust  in  thee  ;  Vouchsafe  unto  these  thy  ser- 
vants increase  of  spiritual  might  as  their  bodily 
vigor  faileth,  and  grant  that  as  their  eyes  become 
dim,  and  their  ears  dull  to  earthly  things,  their 
affections  may  be  the  more  set  on  things  above ; 
through  thy  mercy,  who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  the 
Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost  one  God,  world  without 
end.      Amen. 


160      PRAYERS  RELATING  TO  SOCIAL  SUBJECTS. 


Prayers  Relating  to  Social 
Subjects. 

Prayers  for  the  Employer  and  the 
Employed. 


O  God,  merciful  and  just ;  We  humbly  beseech 
thee  to  sanctify  the  hearts  of  those  who  are  in 
positions  of  authority  and  influence,  that  they  may 
act  justly  toward  all  who  are  in  their  employ.  Keep 
them  from  the  spirit  of  oppression  and  wrong,  and 
from  forgetfulness  of  others.  Help  them  to  be 
tender-hearted  to  the  suffering,  liberal  to  the  needy, 
and  in  all  their  dealings  considerate  and  humane. 
Incline  them  rightly  to  use  the  influence  thou  hast 
given  them,  that  at  last  they  may  give  an  account 
of  their  stewardship  with  joy  and  thankfulness ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  made  toil  honorable 
among  all  men  ;  We  pray  thee  to  bestow  thy  blessing 
upon  those  classes  in  the  community  who  are  en- 
gaged in  the  industries  of  life.  Rectify  whatever 
may  be  oppressive  and  unjust  in  their  lot,  and  give 
them  patience  and  contentment.  Deliver  them  from 
rebellion  and  violence,  and  dispose  them  and  their 
employers  to  peaceful  measures  that  shall  result 
in  mutual  concessions  for  their  common  interests. 
Hear  us  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


PRAYERS   FOR    HARMONY.  161 


Prayers  for  the  Rarmony  of 
Revelation  and  Science. 

Prayers  for  Explorations  in  Ancient 
Lands. 

Almighty  God,  who  of  old  didst  create  the  heavens 
and  the  earth,  and  breathed  into  man  the  breath  of 
life  ;  Inspire  us,  we  beseech  thee,  in  ail  our  studies  of 
nature  and  of  man,  to  behold  the  harmony  between 
Revelation  and  Science,  and  to  hold  fast  to  faith  in 
thee,  and  to  accept  the  blessed  hope  of  immortality 
taught  us  in  thy  holy  Word,  through  the  resurrection 
of  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son,  our  Advocate  and  Redeemer. 
Amen. 

Almighty  Source  of  all  knowledge  ;  Bless  in  larger 
measure  every  effort  made  to  obtain  a  knowledge  of 
truth  through  explorations  in  ancient  lands,  and 
in  particular  may  Egypt,  Assyria  and  Palestine 
yield  more  and  more  their  hidden  treasures,  to  the 
confirmation  of  the  sacred  Scriptures  and  the 
advancement  of  thy  kingdom  of  righteousness  on  the 
earth ;  through  Jesus  Christ  thy  Son  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

Grant,  we  beseech  thee.  Almighty  God,  unto  thy 
servants  in  distant  lands,  who  engage  in  research  and 
exploration  for  the  truth's  sake,  and  unto  all  who 
labor  in  the  cause,  the  spirit  to  think  and  to  do  those 
things  which  are  pleasing  in  thy  sight  ;  through 
Jesus  Christ,  to  whom  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost 
be  ascribed  all  honor  and  glory  for  ever  and  ever. 
Amen. 

Almighty  God,  who  openest  thine  hand  and  fiUest 
all  things  living  with  plenteousness,  so  fill  our  hearts 
with  gratitude  for  the  discoveries  of  our  age,  which 
shed  precious  light  on  the  Bible  and  the  history 
of  man,  that  we  may  open  our  hands  liberally  to 
support  the  societies  engaged  in  the  work.  Grant 
this,  O  bountiful  Giver  of  every  good  and  perfect 
gift,  through  thy  blessed  Son,  our  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ.     Amen. 


11 


162  PRAYERS   FOR    GRACES   AND    VIRTUES. 


Prayers  for  Graces  and 
Uirtues. 

Prayers  for  Purity. 


O  God,  whose  blessed  Son  took  upon  him  our  flesh, 
and  yet  lived  in  this  world  without  sin,  leaving  us  an 
example  that  we  should  follow  in  his  steps  ;  Grant 
that  we  may  be  conformed  more  and  more  to  his 
image.  May  thy  Holy  Spirit  sanctify  our  hearts 
and  minds,  that  we  may  be  cleansed  from  the  defile- 
ments of  the  world,  and  the  lusts  of  the  flesh.  For 
Jesus  Christ's  sake  give  us  grace  that  we  purify  our- 
selves even  as  he  is  pure,  and  thus  attain  to  that 
holiness  without  which  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord. 
Answer  thou  our  prayer,  O  merciful  and  gracious 
Father,  for  the  love  of  thy  dear  Son  Jesus  Christ  our 
Advocate  and  Redeemer.     Amen. 

O  Almighty  God,  who  hast  taught  us  that  our 
bodies  are  the  temples  of  the  Holy  Ghost  who  dwells 
in  our  hearts ;  Give  us  grace  to  flee  from  all  im- 
purity of  mind  and  body.  Let  the  hope  of  heaven 
and  the  joys  of  eternity  withdraw  our  hearts  from 
all  unholy  thoughts  ;  that  we  may  enjoy  that  peace 
which  is  the  fruit  of  holiness  here,  and  hereafter 
receive  the  full  reward  of  the  pure  in  heart,  and  see 
thee,  O  blessed  Lord,  for  ever  and  ever ;  for  the 
sake  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  hast  declared  that  when 
we  have  done  all  that  is  commanded  us  we  are  still 
unprofitable  servants  ;  Give  us  grace  so  to  fix  our  eyes 
on  thv  most  pure  and  holy  life,  that  we  may  know 
our  own  impurity  and  sin,  and  seek  in  all  humility 
to  be  conformed  unto  thy  will ;  who  livest  and  reign- 
est  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost  one  God, 
world  without  end.     Amen. 

Kindle  our  hearts,  O  Lord,  with  the  fire  of  thy 
Holy  Spirit,  that  we  may  serve  thee  with  chaste 
bodies,  and  please  thee  with  pure  souls ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  God,  who  art  of  purer  eyes  than  to  behold 
iniquity,  mercifully  grant  unto  us  such  a  sense  of 
sin  that  we  may  receive  cleansing,  and  such  cleansing 
that  we  may  be  made  pure  in  heart,  and  may  see 
thee  for  evermore ;  through  our  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ.      Amen. 

O  Lord,  our  God,  who  hast  commanded  us  to 
speak  righteousness,  and  to  judge  uprightly;  Grant 
that  inicjuity  may  not  be  found  in  our  mouths,  nor 
wickedness  in  our  minds,  but  that,  from  pure  hearts, 
\ve  may  speak  those  things  that  are  right;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,     Amen. 


PRAYERS   FOR   GRACES   AND   VIRTUES.  163 

Prayers  for  Reverence  of  God's  Naa\e. 

Almighty  God  and  heavenl}'  Father,  who  hast 
given  thy  people  commandment  that  they  should 
not  take  thy  Name  in  vain  ;  Have  mercy  upon  us 
and  incline  our  hearts  to  keep  this  law.  Save 
us  from  all  carelessness  and  irreverence  in  thy  holy 
temple,  from  all  angry  condemnation  of  our  fellow- 
men,  and  from  all  thoughtless  and  trifling  ex- 
pressions. Help  us  so  to  use  the  precious  gift  of 
speech  that  our  words  may  be  always  acceptable  in 
thy  sight ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  Almighty  and  all-loving  Father  ;  Fill  us  with  so 
deep  a  sense  of  thy  goodness  in  creating,  redeem- 
ing and  preserving  us,  that  we  ma\-  never  use  thy 
holy  Name  except  in  devout  supplication,  joyful 
adoration  and  pious  instruction.  Grant  us  the  spirit 
of  the  blessed  angels  who  continually  cry  "Holy, 
Holy,  Holy,"  before  thee.  Help  us  in  our  trials 
and  vexations  to  keep  before  us  the  example  of  thy 
blessed  Son,  who  glorified  thy  Name  in  dire  anguish, 
and  not  to  soil  our  Christian  profession  with  evil 
words.  Give  us  the  loving  spirit  of  dutiful  children, 
and  grant  that  our  lips  may  be  opened  by  thy  Holy 
_Spirit  to  show  forth  thy  praise  on  earth,  so  that  they 
may  be  trained  here  to  glorify  and  praise  thee  in 
eternity.     This  we  ask  for  Christ's  sake.     Amen. 

O  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  who  hast  magnified 
thy  Name  and  thy  Word  above  all  things  ;  Imprint 
upon  our  hearts  such  a  sense  of  thy  majest)',  and 
such  a  reverence  for  thy  holy  Name  that  we  may 
never  take  it  lightly  or  carelessly  upon  our  lips. 
Set  a  watch  before  our  mouth  and  keep  the  door  of 
our  lips,  that  we  may  always  speak  soberly  and 
thoughtfully.  Let  our  yea  be  yea,  and  our  nay, 
nay,  remembering  that  whatsoever  is  more  than  these 
Cometh  of  evil.  Pardon  us  for  all  our  sins  of  the 
tongue  in  time  past,  and  do  thou  so  open  our  lips 
through  all  the  time  to  come  that  our  mouth  shall 
show  forth  thy  praise ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord,     Amen. 


Prayers  for  Reverence  of  the  Lord's 
Day. 

O  God,  who  in  thine  infinite  wisdom  didst  appoint 
one  day  in  seven  as  a  day  of  rest,  and  who  by 
the  glorious  resurrection  of  thy  Son  didst  consecrate 
to  thyself  for  all  time  the  first  day  of  the  week  ;  Give 
us  grace  that  we  may  sacredly  regard  it  as  thine  own 
day.  During  its  holy  hours  separate  our  minds  from 
worldly  things,  and  help  us  to  fix  them  upon  themes 
belonging  to  eternal  life,  that  we  may  be  given  such 
strength  as  shall  fit  us  for  the  faithful  discharge 
of  the  duties  of  the  week.  Grant,  O  Father,  that 
each  returning  Lord's  Day  may  be  to  us  an  earnest 
of  that  eternal  rest  which  remaineth  for  thy  people  in 
heaven  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


164     PRAYERS  FOR  GRACES  AND  VIRTUES. 

Almighty  God,  the  source  of  all  wisdom  and  good- 
ness ;  We  thank  thee  that  thou  hast  consecrated  this 
day  to  thy  service  and  commanded  us  to  keep  it  holy. 
For  thy  glory  and  our  good,  help  us  faithfully  to 
observe  this  command.  Have  mercy  upon  the  care- 
less and  indifferent,  the  neglectful  and  hardened, 
whose  feet  are  not  turned  toward  thy  holy  House. 
Deliver  our  land,  we  pray  thee,  from  worldly  and 
wicked  men,  who  mock  at  sacred  things,  and  profane 
thy  holy  day,  to  the  dishonor  of  thy  Name  and  the 
great  peril  of  souls.  Increase  the  number  of  those 
who  delight  in  keeping  thy  commandments,  who  seek 
thy  courts,  who  rejoice  in  the  sound  of  the  gospel, 
who  reverence  thy  Sacraments  and  who  look  forward 
to  the  eternal  rest  of  thy  kingdom.  Hear  us  for  the 
sake  of  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


Prayers  for  Temperance. 

Almighty  God,  who  didst  make  man  in  thine  own 
image,  and  afterwards  didst  sanctify  our  human 
nature  by  the  incarnation  of  thy  Son  ;  Give  us  grace 
to  resist  all  those  sinful  lusts  whereby  that  which 
thou  hast  made  and  sanctified  may  be  defiled.  Send 
thy  blessing  in  particular,  we  pray  thee,  upon  the 
Church  Temperance  Society,  that  by  its  means 
many  may  be  brought  back  from  the  ways  of  sin, 
and  that  all  its  members,  living  in  mutual  help  and 
sympathy,  may  grow  in  holiness  both  of  soul  and 
body,  until  they  come  to  thy  perfect  likeness ; 
through  the  mediation  of  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

Deliver  our  land,  we  beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  from 
the  crying  sin  of  drunkenness,  whereby  it  is  so 
grievously  defiled,  and  grant  that  they  who  indulge 
in  excess  of  drink  may  have  grace  to  check  them- 
selves ere  they  have  lost  the  power  of  self-control, 
and  finding  the  unsatisfying  nature  of  all  earthly 
excitement,  may  come  to  hunger  and  thirst  after 
righteousness,  and  attain  to  salvation  ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Mediator  and  Advocate.     Amen. 

We  beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  to  renew  thy  people 
inwardly  and  outwardly,  that  as  thou  wouldest  not 
have  them  to  be  hindered  by  bodily  pleasures,  thou 
mayest  make  them  vigorous  with  spiritual  purpose. 
Protect  them,  O  Lord,  in  the  time  of  temptation, 
support  their  weakness,  and  wash  away  their  earthly 
stains  ;  and  while  they  walk  amid  the  darkness  of 
this  mortal  life,  do  thou  ever  quicken  them  by  thy 
light ;  deliver  them  in  thy  mercy  from  all  evils,  and 
grant  them  to  attain  the  height  of  good  ;  through 
jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 


PRAYERS  FOR  GKACKS  AND  VIRTUES.     165 

Look  down  from  heaven,  O  Christ,  upon  the 
lambs  of  thy  flock,  and  bless  their  bodies  and  souls. 
Grant  that  we  who  have  received  thy  sign  in  our 
foreheads,  may  keep  our  bodies  in  temperance, 
soberness  and  chastity,  and  be  found  thine  own 
in  the  day  of  judgment,  who,  with  the  Father  and 
the  Holy  Ghost,  art  one  God,  for  ever  and  ever. 
Amen. 


^ 


Special  Cbank$diving$. 

Harvest  Thanksgiving. 


Most  gracious  God,  by  whose  knowledge  the 
depths  are  broken  up,  and  the  clouds  drop  down  th6 
dew  ;  We  yield  thee  unfeigned  thanks  and  praise,  as 
for  all  thy  mercies,  so  especialh'  for  the  returns  of 
seed-time  and  harvest,  and  for  crowning  the  year 
with  thy  goodness,  in  the  increase  of  the  ground,  and 
the  gathering  in  of  the  fruits  thereof.  And,  we 
beseech  thee,  give  us  a  just  sense  of  this  great 
mercy ;  such  as  may  appear  in  our  lives,  by  an 
humble,  holy  and  obedient  walking  before  thee  all 
our  days;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  to  whom, 
with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all  glory  and 
honor,  world  without  end      Amen. 

O  most  merciful  Father,  who  hast  blessed  the 
labors  of  the  husbandman  in  the  returns  of  the  fruits 
of  the  earth ;  We  give  thee  humble  and  hearty 
thanks  for  this  thy  bounty  ;  beseeching  thee  to  con- 
tinue thy  loving-kindness  to  us  ;  that  our  land  may 
still  yield  her  increase,  to  thy  glory  and  our  comfort ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Grant  us,  O  Lord,  so  to  bless  thee  with  grateful 
hearts  for  the  bounty  of  thine  earthly  harvest,  that 
filled  with  thy  love  we  may  bring  forth  fruit  to  thee 
a  hundredfold  in  this  life,  and  in  that  harvest  where 
the  angels  are  the  reapers  we  may  be  gathered  as 
wheat  into  thy  garner;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 


For  a  Recovery  from  Sickness. 

O  God,  who  art  the  giver  of  life,  of  health,  and  of 
safety  ;  We  bless  thy  Name,  that  thou  hast  been 
pleased  to  deliver  from  his  bodily  sickness  t/iis  thy 


166  SPECIAL   THANKSGIVINGS. 

scmnnt,  who  now  di'sircth  to  return  thanks  unto  thee, 
in  the  presence  of  all  thy  people.  Gracious  art  thou, 
O  Lord,  and  full  of  compassion  to  the  children  of 
men.  May  his  Iieart  be  duly  impressed  with  a  sense 
of  thy  merciful  goodness,  and  may  he  devote  the 
residue  of  his  days  to  an  humble,  holy  and  obedient 
walking  before  thee;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

For  a  Chilif  s  Recovery  from  Sickness. 

Almighty  God  and  heavenly  Father,  we  give  thee 
humble  thanks  for  that  thou  hast  been  graciously 
pleased  to  deliver  from  his  bodily  sickness  the  (////(/ 
in  whose  behalf  we  bless  and  praise  thy  Name,  in 
the  presence  of  all  thy  people.  Grant,  we  beseech 
thee,  O  gracious  Father,  that  //<■,  through  thy  help, 
may  both  faithfully  live  in  this  world  according 
to  thy  will,  and  also  may  be  partaker  of  everlasting 
glory  in  the  life  to  come ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.      Amen. 


For  a  Safe  Return  from  Sea. 

Most  gracious  Lord,  whose  mercy  is  over  all 
thy  works  ;  We  praise  thy  holy  Name  that  thou  hast 
been  pleased  to  conduct  in  safety,  through  the  perils 
of  the  great  deep,  this  thy  servant,  who  now  desiretli 
to  return  his  thanks  unto  thee  in  thy  holy  Church. 
May  he  be  duly  sensible  of  thy  merciful  pro\idence 
towards  ///;//,  and  ever  express  his  thankfulness  by  a 
holy  trust  in  thee,  and  obedience  to  thy  laws ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


For  Peace  and  Deliverance  from  our 
Enejnies. 

O  Almighty  God,  who  art  a  strong  tower  of 
defence  unto  thy  servants  against  the  face  of  their 
enemies  ;  We  yield  thee  praise  and  thanksgiving  for 
our  deliverance  from  those  great  and  apparent 
dangers  wherewith  we  were  compassed.  We  ac- 
knowledge it  thy  goodness  that  we  were  not  delivered 
over  as  a  prey  unto  them  ;  beseeching  thee  still 
to  continue  such  thy  mercies  towards  us,  that  all  the 
world  may  know  that  thou  art  our  Saviour  and 
mighty  Deliverer  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

For  Restoring  Public  Peace  at  Home. 

O  eternal  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  who  alone 
makest  men  to  be  of  one  mind  in  a  house,  and  stillest 
the  outrage  of  a  violent  and  unruly  people  ;  We  bless 
th}'  holy  Name,  that  it  hath  pleased  thee  to  appease 
the  seditious  tumults  which  have  been  lately  raised 
up  amongst  us ;  most  humbly  beseeching  thee  to 
grant  to  all  of  us  grace,  that  we  may  henceforth 
obediently  walk  in  thy  holy  commandments;  and, 
leading    a  cjuiet   and  peaceable   life  in  all  godliness 


SPECIAL   THANKSGIVINGS.  167 

and  honesty,  may  continually  offer  unto  thee  our 
sacrifice  of  praise  and  thanksgiving  for  these  thy 
mercies  toward  us  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


For  Deliverance  from  great  Sickness  and 
*    Mortality. 

O  Lord  God,  who  hast  wounded  us  for  our  sins, 
and  consumed  us  for  our  transgressions,  by  thy  late 
heavy  and  dreadful  visitation  ;  and  now,  in  the  midst 
of  judgment  remembering  mercy,  hast  redeemed  our 
souls  from  the  jaws  of  death  ;  We  offer  unto  thy 
fatherly  goodness  ourselves,  our  souls  and  bodies 
which  thou  hast  delivered,  to  be  a  living  sacrifice 
unto  thee,  always  praising  and  magnifying  thy 
mercies  in  the  midst  of  thy  Church  ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

After  Child-birth. 

O  Almighty  God,  we  give  thee  humble  thanks  for 
that  thou  hast  been  graciously  pleased  to  preserve, 
through  the  great  pain  and  peril  of  child-birth,  tliis 
700111(111,  thy  servant,  who  desirctli  now  to  offer  Ju-r 
praises  and  thanksgivings  unto  thee.  Grant,  we 
beseech  thee,  most  merciful  Father,  that  she,  through 
thy  help,  may  both  faithfully  live  and  walk  according 
to  thy  will  in  this  life  present,  and  also  may  be 
pnr/aker  of  everlasting  glory  in  the  life  to  come ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

For  an  Escape  from  Special  Peril. 

O  Lord  God,  in  whose  hand  is  the  life  of  every 
thing,  and  the  breath  of  all  mankind  ;  We  magnify 
thy  goodness  in  that  thou  hast  been  pleased  to  sa\e 
from  deadly  hurt  thy  servant,  who  now  desiretb  \or, 
for  whom  we  desire]  to  offer  thee  the  sacrifice  of 
praise  and  thanksgiving.  Give  him  grace,  we  hum- 
bly beseech  thee,  worthily  to  spend  in  thy  service  the 
days  which  thou  hast  so  mercifully  prolonged,  that 
henceforth  dwelling  always  under  thy  protection  he 
may  abide  in  thy  love  unto  his  life's  end  ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour.      Amen. 


For  a  Minister  s  Recovery  from  Sickness. 

O  Lord  our  God,  who  alone  bringest  down  to  the 
grave  and  bringest  up  again  ;  We  give  thee  thanks 
and  praise  for  restoring  to  health  thy  servant  who  is 
set  over  us  in  the  Lord.  Give  imto  him,  we  beseech 
thee,  fresh  and  enlarged  measures  of  thy  Holy  Spirit, 
that  he  may  labor  among  us  in  the  fulness  of  the 
blessing  of  the  gospel  of  Christ.  Unto  us  give  more 
grace  to  value  and  to  improve  our  spiritual  privi- 
leges. While  the  day  of  salvation  lasts,  let  none  of 
us  receive  thy  grace  in  vain,  but  learn  to-day,  while 
it  is  called  to-day,  more  and  more  to  obey  thy  gospel, 


168  SPECIAL   THANKSGIVINGS 

and  to  walk  in  all  thy  commandments  and  ordi- 
nances blameless;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Re- 
deemer.    Amen. 

A  General  TJianksf^iving. 

O  God,  of  whose  mercy  there  is  no  end,  and  the 
treasure  of  whose  bounty  is  infinite  ;  We  give  thanks 
to  thy  divine  Majesty  for  the  gifts  of  thy  lo\ing- 
kindness,  humbly  beseeching  thee  that  the  praise 
and  thanksgiving  which  we  begin  here  on  earth 
we  may,  with  all  thy  ransomed  saints,  continue  in 
heaven  ;    through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


^ 


Prayers  for  tbe  Beginning  and 
the  ending  of  the  Vear. 

Prayers  for  New  Year's  Day. 


Almighty  God,  give  us  grace,  we  beseech  thee,  to 
run  the  race  which  thou  hast  set  before  us.  Deliver 
us  from  the  sin  and  folly  of  an  aimless  life.  Enable 
us  to  set  Christ  Jesus  before  us  as  our  object 
and  our  hope,  our  example  and  our  guide.  Quicken 
us  by  the  Holy  Spirit  to  greater  energy  and  earnest- 
ness in  our  Christian  course.  Grant  that,  day  by 
day,  and  year  by  year,  the  world  may  loose  its  hold 
upon  our  hearts,  and  that  we  may  be  found  pressing 
forward  to  our  home  above.  May  the  year  upon 
which  we  have  now  entered  find  us  making  progress 
in  divine  things;  and,  whether  we  see  the  end  of  it 
or  not,  enable  us  to  use  it  as  a  help  to  heaven  and  to 
thee  ;   through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

Most  merciful  God,  who  hast  graciously  preserved 
us  during  the  year  which  is  past ;  Help  us,  we 
entreat  thee,  to  serve  thee  henceforth  with  all  our 
heart  and  mind  and  soul  and  strength  ;  watch  over 
us  with  thy  divine  providence ;  and.  whether  we 
li\e  or  whether  we  die,  may  we  evermore  be  thine  ; 
through  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

O  God,  whose  days  are  without  beginning  and 
without  end  ;  Grant  us,  we  humbly  pray  thee, 
throughout  this  year  whose  beginning  we  dedicate  to 
thee,  such  prosperity  as  thou  seest  to  be  good  for  us, 


BEGINNING   AND   ENDING   OF   THE   YEAR.       169 

and  make  us  to  abound  in  such  works  as  may  be 
pleasing  unto  thee.  Renew  in  us,  we  humbly  pray 
thee,  the  gifts  of  thy  mercy,  increase  our  faith, 
strengthen  our  hope,  enlighten  our  understanding, 
enlarge  our  charity,  and  make  us  ever  ready  to 
serve  thee,  both  in  body  and  soul  ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  thy  Son,  our  Lord.     Amen. 


Prayers  for  the  Last  Day 
OF  THE  Year. 

Most  gracious  God,  we  thank  thee  that  in  thy 
great  mercy  thou  hast  kept  us  to  the  close  of  another 
year.  We  are  brought  thereby  so  much  nearer  to 
the  end.  Grant  that  it  may  bring  us  nearer  to  thee. 
We  dare  not  \enture  into  another  year  of  our 
pilgrimage  without  thy  presence  and  thy  blessing. 
Give  us  grace  to  run  in  the  way  of  thy  command- 
ments. Help  us  to  live  to  thee  ;  help  us  to  labor  for 
thee.  Be  thou  our  portion  and  our  inheritance. 
Grant  that  we  may  stand  complete  in  thee  now 
through  thy  beloved  Son,  and  finally  be  admitted  to 
the  kingdom  of  thy  glory.  All  this  we  ask  for  Jesus 
Christ's  sake.      Amen. 

Heavenly  Father,  draw  near  to  us  now,  we  be- 
seech thee,  and  enable  us  to  close  this  year  with 
thee.  Mercifully  forgive  all  our  sins  and  short- 
comings in  the  past  and  graciously  strengthen  us 
with  thy  Holy  Spirit  for  the  time  to  come.  Abide 
with  us  as  our  teacher,  our  guide,  our  friend.  Show 
thyself  unto  us  in  all  thy  grace.  Cause  our  hearts  to 
burn  within  us  as  we  hear  thy  loving  voice.  Be 
with  us  when  the  shadows  of  life's  evening  are 
closing  around  us,  and  finally  bring  us  to  abide  with 
thee  for  ever,  for  the  sake  of  thy  dear  Son  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


170  COLLECTS   OF   THE    CHRISTIAN    VEAK. 


Collects  of  the  Christian  year. 

Collects  from  the  Book  of  Common 

Prayer,  with  Others  Selected, 

Adapted  or  Contributed. 


The  First  Sunday  in  Advent. 

Almighty  God,  give  us  grace  that  we  may  cast 
away  the  works  of  darkness,  and  put  upon  us  the 
armor  of  light,  now  in  the  time  of  this  mortal  life,  in 
which  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  came  to  visit  us  in  great 
humility  ;  that  in  the  last  day,  when  he  shall  come 
again  in  his  glorious  majesty  to  judge  both  the  quick 
and  the  dead,  we  may  rise  to  the  life  immortal, 
through  him  who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  thee  and 
the  Holy  Ghost,  now  and  ever.     Amen. 

Mercifully  hear,  O  Lord,  the  prayers  of  thy 
people  ;  that  as  they  rejoice  in  the  Advent  of  thine 
only  begotten  Son  according  to  the  flesh,  so  when  he 
cometh  a  second  time  in  his  majesty,  they  may 
receive  the  reward  of  eternal  life;  through  the  same 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  who  liveth  and  reigneth  with 
thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  ever  one  God,  world  with- 
out end.      Amen. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  at  the  first  coming  of 
thy  glory  didst  humble  thyself  because  of  our  sins  ; 
Grant  that  at  thy  second  coming,  our  sins  done 
away  by  thy  mercy,  we  may  be  numbered  with  thy 
saints  in  glory  everlasting  ;  through  thy  merits,  O 
blessed  .Saviour,  who,  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy 
Ghost,  livest  and  reignest,  ever  one  God,  world 
without  end.     Amen. 


The  Second  Sunday  in  Advent. 

Blessed  Lord,  who  hast  caused  all  holy  Scriptures 
to  be  written  for  our  learning  ;  Grant  that  we  may  in 
such  wise  hear  them,  read,  mark,  learn  and  inwardly 
digest  them,  that  by  patience  and  comfort  of  thy 
holy  Word,  we  may  embrace,  and  ever  hold  fast,  the 
blessed  hope  of  everlasting  life,  which  thou  hast 
given  us  in  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

Enlighten  our  minds,  we  beseech  thee,  O  God,  by 
the  Spirit  which  proceedeth  from  thee;  that  as  thy 
Son  hath  promised,  we  may  be  led  into  all  truth. 
We  ask  it  through  the  same  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

Almighty  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  whose  prop- 
erty it  is  al\va\s  to  have  mercy  ;  We  most  earnestly 
beseech  thee  to  visit  with  thy  fatherly  correction  all 


COLLECTS   OF   THE    CHRISTIAN    YEAR.  171 

such  as  have  erred  and  gone  astray  from  the  truth  of 
thy  holy  Word,  and  to  bring  them  to  a  due  sense  of 
their  error,  that  they  may  again  with  hearty  faith 
receive  and  hold  fast  thine  unchangeable  truth ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

TJic  Third  Sunday  in  Advent. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  at  thy  first  coming  didst 
send  thy  messenger  to  prepare  thy  way  before  thee  ; 
Grant  that  the  ministers  and  stewards  of  thy  mys- 
teries may  likewise  so  prepare  and  make  ready 
thy  way,  by  turning  the  hearts  of  the  disobedient  to 
the  wisdom  of  the  just,  that  at  thy  second  coming  to 
judge  the  world  we  may  be  found  an  acceptable 
people  in  thy  sight,  who  livest  and  reignest  with  the 
Father  and  the  Holy  Spirit  ever,  one  God,  world 
without  end.      Amen. 

Almighty  God,  we  beseech  thee  to  clothe  thy 
ministers  with  righteousness  and  salvation,  that  thy 
Word  which,  is  in  their  hands  may  not  return  unto 
thee  void,  but  have  free  course  and  be  glorified 
in  the  world  ;  prospering  in  the  thing  whereunto 
thou  hast  sent  it,  and  turning  men  from  darkness  to 
light  and  from  the  power  of  Satan  unto  thee,  that 
the}'  may  receive  forgiveness  of  sins,  and  inheritance 
among  those  who  are  sanctified  by  faith  that  is  in 
Christ  Jesus ;  to  whom  with  thee  and  the  Holy 
Ghost  be  honor  and  glory,  world  without  end. 
Amen 

Blessed  Saviour,  who  didst  send  thine  Apostles  to 
preach  the  gospel  of  reconciliation  throughout  the 
world  ;  Open  our  hearts  to  the  gracious  message, 
that  through  its  power  we  may  lead  a  life  of  holiness 
and  true  charity  ;  through  thy  mercy,  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord,  who  livest  and  reignest.  Father,  Son  and 
Holy  Spirit,  one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

The  Fourth  Sunday  in  Advent. 

O  Lord,  raise  up,  we  pray  thee,  thy  power,  and 
come  among  us,  and  with  great  might  succor  us; 
that  whereas,  through  our  sins  and  wickedness, 
we  are  sore  let  and  hindered  in  running  the  race 
that  is  set  before  us,  thy  bountiful  grace  and  mercy 
may  speedily  help  and  deliver  us ;  through  the 
satisfaction  of  thy  Son  our  Lord,  to  whom,  with 
thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  honor  and  glory,  world 
without  end.     Amen. 

Almighty  God,  we  beseech  thee  to  incline  thine 
ear  to  our  prayers,  and  visit  the  darkness  of  our 
minds  with  the  Dayspring  from  on  high  ;  that  at  the 
second  coming  of  thy  Son  to  judge  the  world, 
we  may  hasten  with  joy  to  meet  him  ;  who  liveth 
and  reigneth  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  ever  one 
God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

Stir  up  our  hearts,  O  God  and  Father,  to  make  ready 
the  way  of  thine  only-begotten  Son,  so  that  by  his 
coming  we  may  be  enabled  to  serve  thee  with  pure 


172  COLLECTS   OF   THE    CHRISTIAN    YEAR. 

minds;  through  the  same  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who 
liveth  and  reigneth  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
ever  one  God,  world  without  end.      Amen. 

Eve  of  the  Nativity. 

O  God,  who  hast  made  this  most  holy  night  to 
shine  with  the  brightness  of  the  true  Light ;  Grant, 
we  beseech  thee,  that  as  we  have  known  on  earth  the 
mysteries  of  that  Light,  we  may  also  come  to  the 
fulness  of  its  joys  in  heaven ;  through  the  same 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

We  beseech  thee,  Almighty  God,  let  our  souls  be 
enlightened  by  thy  Spirit,  that  being  filled  as  lamps, 
by  the  divine  gift,  we  may  shine  as  blazing  lights 
in  the  day  of  the  Saviour's  coming  and  enter 
with  him  into  his  everlasting  kingdom ;  through 
the  same  Jesus  Christ  our   Lord.      Amen. 

The  Nativity  of  oicr  Lord,  or  the  Birthday  of 
Christ,  couiinon/y  called  Christmas-day. 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  given  us  thine  only- 
begotten  Son  to  take  our  nature  upon  him,  and 
as  at  this  time  to  be  born  of  a  pure  virgin  ;  Grant 
that  we  being  regenerate,  and  made  thy  children  by 
adoption  and  grace,  may  daily  be  renewed  by  thy 
Holy  Spirit ;  through  the  same  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  thee  and  the 
same  Spirit  ever,  one  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

O  God,  who  makest  us  glad  with  the  yearly 
remembrance  of  the  birth  of  thine  only  Son  Jesus 
Christ ;  Grant  that  as  we  joyfully  receive  him  for 
our  Redeemer,  so  we  may  with  sure  confidence 
behold  him  when  he  shall  come  to  be  our  Judge, 
who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  thee  and  the  Holy 
Ghost,  one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

Grant,  we  beseech  thee.  Almighty  God,  that  we 
who  are  filled  with  the  new  light  of  thy  incarnate 
Word,  may  show  forth  in  our  works  that  faith  which 
shineth  in  our  minds ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

O  God,  who  by  angelic  choirs  wast  pleased  to 
announce  the  corning  of  thy  Son,  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  and  didst,  by  the  heralding  of  angels,  pro- 
claim. Glory  to  God  on  high,  and  on  earth  peace, 
good-will  toward  men  ;  Grant  that  we  may  so  pass 
our  time  here  in  thy  love  and  fear,  that  at  thy  Son's 
second  coming  we  may  rejoice  before  him  with 
exceeding  joy  ;  through  thy  mercy,  O  our  God,  who 
art  blessed,  and  dost  live,  and  govern  all  things, 
world  without  end.     Amen. 

Saint  StepJien  s  Day . 

Grant,  O  Lord,  that,  in  all  our  sufferings  here 
upon  earth  for  the  testimony  of  thy  truth,  we 
may    stedfastly    look    up    to    heaven,    and    by    faith 


COLLECTS   OF   THE    CHRISTIAN    YEAR.  173 

behold  the  glory  that  shall  be  revealed  ;  and,  being 
filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  may  learn  to  love  and 
bless  our  persecutors  by  the  example  of  thy  first 
Martyr  Saint  Stephen,  who  prayed  for  his  murderers 
to  thee,  O  blessed  Jesus,  who  standest  at  the  right 
hand  of  God  to  succor  all  those  who  suffer  for  thee, 
our  only  Mediator  and  Advocate.     Amen. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  didst  give  unto  thy  first 
Martyr,  Saint  Stephen,  grace  to  follow  thine  ex- 
ample both  in  suffering  and  in  patience  ;  Grant  that, 
like  him,  in  all  our  sufferings  here  for  thee,  we  may 
not  be  terrified  by  our  adversaries,  hut  may  pray  for 
those  who  would  do  us  harm  to  thee,  O  blessed 
Saviour,  who,  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
livest  and  reignest,  ever  one  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 


Saint  John  the  Eva?igclisf  s  Day. 

Merciful  Lord,  we  beseech  thee  to  cast  thy  bright 
beams  of  light  upon  thy  Church,  that  it,  being 
instructed  by  the  doctrine  of  thy  blessed  Apostle  and 
Evangelist  Saint  John,  may  so  walk  in  the  light 
of  thy  truth,  that  it  may  at  length  attain  to  ever- 
lasting life;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  didst  have  for  thine 
Apostle  Saint  John  a  special  love;  Grant  us  grace  to 
love  thee  as  truly  as  he  loved,  and  make  us  to  share 
in  the  love  that  thou  hadst  for  him  ;  through  thy 
mercy,  O  our  God,  who  art  blessed,  and  dost  live, 
and  govern  all  things,  world  without  end.      Amen. 


The  Innocents'  Day . 

O  Almighty  God,  who  out  of  the  mouths  of  babes 
and  sucklings  hast  ordained  strength,  and  madest 
infants  to  glorify  thee  by  their  deaths  ;  Mortify  and 
kill  all  vices  in  us,  and  so  strengthen  us  by  thy  grace, 
that  by  the  innocency  of  our  lives,  and  constancy  of 
our  faith  even  unto  death,  we  may  glorify  thy  holy 
Name  ;   through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,      Amen. 

Grant  us,  heavenly  Father,  the  spirit  of  little 
children,  that  our  faith  may  not  be  obscured  by 
doubts,  nor  our  love  weakened  and  corrupted  by  the 
temptations  of  the  world.  Hear  us,  we  beseech 
thee,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 


The  Sunday  after  CJiristnias  Day . 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  given  us  thine  only- 
begotten  Son  to  take  our  nature  upon  him,  and 
as  at  this  time  to  be  born  of  a  pure  virgin  ;  Grant 
that  we,  being  regenerate  and  made  thy  children  by 
adoption  and  grace,  may  daily  be  renewed  by  thy 
Holy  Spirit  ;  through  the  same  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  thee  and  the 
same  Spirit  ever,  one  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 


174  COLLECTS   OF   THE    CHRISTIAN    YEAR. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  Lord  our  God ;  Give 
us  grace,  we  pray  thee,  with  adoring  love  to  receive 
and  hold  fast  the  mystery  of  thy  holy  incarnation. 
Reveal  this  blessed  truth  to  those  who  knosv  it  not: 
and  let  not  Satan  with  all  deceivableness  of  unright- 
eousness pervert  our  faith.  Help  us  here,  by  the 
enlightening  of  thy  most  Holy  Spirit,  to  discern  thee 
hidden  in  thy  blessed  Sacrament;  hereafter,  in  thy 
kingdom  of  glory,  to  behold  thy  glory  and  greatness 
face  to  face  ;  and  thy  Name,  with  that  of  the  Father 
and  the  Holy  Spirit  shall  have  all  the  praise  and 
glory,  world  without  end.      Amen. 

Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  Almighty  God,  that  the 
new  birth  of  thine  only-begotten  Son  in  the  flesh, 
may  set  us  free  who  are  held  in  the  old  bondage 
under  the  yoke  of  sin  ;  through  the  same,  thy  Son 
our  Lord,  who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  thee  and  the 
Holy  Ghost,  ever  one  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

TJie  Circumcision  of  Christ. 

Almighty  God,  who  madest  thy  blessed  Son  to  be 
circumcised,  and  obedient  to  the  law  for  man ; 
Grant  us  the  true  circumcision  of  the  Spirit ;  that, 
our  hearts,  and  all  our  members,  being  mortified 
from  all  worldly  and  carnal  lusts,  we  may  in  all 
things  obey  thy  blessed  will  ;  through  the  same  thy 
Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  Jesus,  our  Saviour  and  our  Lord,  who,  by  the 
proclamation  of  thy  grace,  didst  take  from  our  necks 
the  yoke  of  the  law,  and  remove  the  burden  from  our 
shoulders  to  thine  own  ;  Grant  to  the  prayers  of  thy 
Church,  that  it  may  joyfully  serve  thee  here,  and  be- 
hold thy  blissful  presence  with  fulness  of  joy  here- 
after ;  through  thy  mercy,  O  our  God,  who  art 
blessed,  and  dost  live,  and  govern  all  things,  world 
without  end.     Amen. 

O  eternal  Jesus,  who  didst  wear  the  crown  of 
thorns  and  the  purple  robe,  with  which  thy  perse- 
cutors would  mock  thy  heavenly  majesty,  may  we 
ever  adore,  love  and  obey  thee  as  the  Lord  of  heaven 
and  earth,  and  bow  our  knees  at  thy  Name,  as  the 
only  Name  given  among  men  whereby  we  may  be 
saved.  Grant  this,  through  thy  mercy,  O  our  God, 
who  art  blessed,  and  livest  and  reignest,  world  with- 
out end.      Amen. 


The   Epipliany ,   or   the    Manifestation    of 
Christ  to  the    Gentiles. 

O  God.  who  by  the  leading  of  a  star  didst  manifest 
thine  only-begotten  Son  to  the  Gentiles  ;  Mercifully 
grant  that  we,  who  know  thee  now  by  faith,  may  after 
this  life  have  the  fruition  of  thy  glorious  Godhead  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

O  God,  our  Protector,  behold  and  look  upon  the 
face  of  thine  anointed,  who  hath  given  himself  for 
the  redemption  of  all,  and  grant  that  from  the  rising 


COLLECTS  OF  THE  CHRISTIAN   YEAR.         175 

of  the  sun  to  the  going  down  thereof,  thy  Name  may 
be  great  among  the  Gentiles,  and  that  in  every  place 
sacrifice  and  a  pure  offering  may  be  made  unto, thy 
Name  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  God,  who  by  the  leading  of  a  star  didst  manifest 
thyself  in  thy  humanity  to  the  Gentiles;  Graciously 
illumine  our  hearts  by  the  holy  radiance  of  thy 
incarnation,  that  so  we  may  escape  the  darkness  of 
this  world,  and  by  thy  guidance  attain  to  the  country 
of  eternal  brightness ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 


TJic  First  Sunday  after  the  Epiphany. 

O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee  mercifully  to  receive  the 
prayers  of  thy  people  who  call  upon  thee ;  and  grant 
that  they  may  both  percei\e  and  know  what  things 
they  ought  to  do,  and  also  may  have  grace  and  power 
faithfully  to  fulfil  the  same  ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.      Amen. 

Bestow,  O  Lord  God,  upon  thy  suppliant  people  the 
aids  of  thy  heavenly  grace  ;  that  they  may  see  plainly 
before  them  the  path  of  duty  and  meekly 'walk  in  the 
same  all  the  days  of  their  life  ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord,  who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  thee  and  the 
Holy  Ghost,  ever  one  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

Almighty  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  who  hast 
given  us  thy  Son,  that  believing  on  him  we  might 
have  everlasting  life  ;  Grant  us,  we  beseech  thee,  thy 
Holy  Spirit,  that  we  may  continue  stedfastly  in  this 
faith  to  the  end,  and  may  come  to  the  life  immortal ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 


The  Second  Sunday  after  the  Epiphany. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  dost  govern  all 
things  in  heaven  and  earth ;  Mercifully  hear  the 
supplications  of  thy  people,  and  grant  us  thy  peace 
all  the  days  of  our  life  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.      Amen. 

O  God,  the  Fountain  of  all  truth  and  grace,  who 
hast  called  us  out  of  darkness  into  marvelous  light, 
by  the  glorious  gospel  of  thy  Son  ;  Grant  unto  us 
power,  we  beseech  thee,  to  walk  worthy  of  this 
vocation,  with  all  lowliness  and  meekness,  endeavor- 
ing to  keep  the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bond 
of  peace,  that  we  may  have  our  fruit  unto  holiness, 
and  the  end  everlasting  life ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.      Amen. 

Hear,  we  beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  our  God,  the  prayer 
of  thy  suppliants,  and  spare  those  who  confess  their 
sins  unto  thee,  that  thou  mayest  bestow  upon  us  both 
pardon  and  peace  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


176  COLLECTS   OF  THE    CHRISTIAN    YEAR. 


The  Third  Sunday  after  the  Epiphany. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  mercifully  look 
upon  our  infirmities,  and  in  all  our  dangers  and 
necessities  stretch  forth  thy  right  hand  to  help 
and  defend  us;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

O  God,  comforter  of  mourners,  and  salvation 
of  them  that  hope  in  thee ;  Grant  us,  truly  to  lament 
our  sins,  and  to  obtain  thy  gracious  pardon  ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,      Amen. 

We  beseech  thee,  O  God,  in  thy  clemency,  to 
show  us  thy  unspeakable  merc}-  ;  that  thou  mayest 
both  set  us  free  from  our  sins,  and  rescue  us  from 
the  punishments  which  for  our  sins  we  deserve; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


The  Fourth  Sunday  after  the  Epiphany . 

O  God,  who  knowest  us  to  be  set  in  the  midst  of  so 
many  and  great  dangers,  that  by  reason  of  the 
frailty  of  our  nature  we  cannot  always  stand  upright ; 
Grant  to  us  such  strength  and  protection,  as  may 
support  us-  in  all  dangers,  and  carry  us  through 
all  temptations ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

O  God,  who  justifieth  the  ungodly,  and  who 
desireth  not  the  death  of  the  sinner ;  We  humbly 
implore  thy  Majesty,  that  thou  wouldest  graciously 
assist,  by  thy  heavenly  aid,  and  evermore  shield  with 
thy  protection,  thy  servants  who  trust  in  thy  mercy, 
that  they  ma}'  be  separated  by  no  temptations  from 
thee,  and  without  ceasing,  may  serve  thee ;  through 
Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son  our  Lord.      Amen. 

Grant  unto  us,  heavenly  Father,  to  have  a  true 
love  of  thy  holy  Name,  so  that,  trusting  in  thy  grace, 
we  may  fear  no  earthly  evil,  and  set  our  hearts  upon 
no  earthly  good,  but  may  rejoice  at  last  in  thy  full 
salvation  ;   through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 


The  Fifth  Sunday  after  the  Epiphany. 

O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee  to  keep  thy  Church  and 
household  continually  in  thy  true  religion  ;  that  they 
who  do  lean  only  upon  the  hope  of  thy  heavenly 
grace  may  evermore  be  defended  by  thy  mighty 
power;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Grant,  we  beseech  thee  Almighty  God,  unto  thy 
Church,  thy  Holy  Spirit,  and  the  wisdom  which 
cometh  down  from  above,  that  thy  Word,  as  be- 
cometh  it,  may  not  be  bound,  but  have  free  course 
and  be  preached  to  the  joy  and  edifying  of  Christ's 
holy  people,  that  in  stedfast  faith  we  may  serve 
thee,  and  in  the  confession  of  thy  Name  abide  unto 
the  end  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  God,  who  art  the  Restorer  and  the  Ruler  of 
mankind  ;    Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  that  thy  Church 


COLLECTS   OF   THE    CHRISTIAN    YEAR.  177 

may  ever  be  increased  by  a  new  offering,  and  grow 
up  by  the  devotion  of  all  the  faithful,  and  the 
indwelling  of  the  Spirit ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

The  Sixth  Siniday  after  the  Epiphany. 

O  God,  whose  blessed  Son  was  manifested  that  he 
might  destroy  the  works  of  the  devil,  and  make 
us  the  sons  of  God,  and  heirs  of  eternal  life  ;  Grant 
us,  we  beseech  thee,  that,  having  this  hope,  we  may 
purify  ourselves,  even  as  he  is  pure  ;  that,  when  he 
shall  appear  again  with  power  and  great  glory, 
we  may  be  made  like  unto  him  in  his  eternal  and 
glorious  kingdom  ;  where  with  thee,  O  Father,  and 
thee,  O  Holy  Ghost,  he  liveth  and  reigneth  ever, 
one  God,  world  without  end.      Amen. 

O  eternal  Father,  convert  our  hearts  unto  thyself, 
so  that  by  thy  help,  we  being  heartily  devoted  to  thy 
service,  no  manner  of  good  things  may  be  lacking  to 
us,  through  thy  grace  and  truth.  We  ask  all  in  the 
Name  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

Visit  us,  we  beseech  thee,  O  God,  and  cleanse  our 
consciences,  that  thy  Son  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
when  he  cometh  with  all  his  saints,  may  find  in  us  a 
mansion  prepared  for  himself  ;  through  the  same  thy 
Son,  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

The  Sunday  called  Septuagesima,   or   the 
third  Sunday  before  Lent. 

O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee  favorably  to  hear  the 
prayers  of  thy  people ;  that  we,  who  are  justly 
punished  for  our  offences,  may  be  mercifully  de- 
livered by  thy  goodness,  for  the  glory  of  thy  Name  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour,  who  liveth  and 
reigneth  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost  ever,  one 
God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

O  God,  the  life  of  the  faithful,  the  joy  of  the 
righteous,  mercifully  receive  the  prayers  of  thy  sup- 
pliants, that  the  souls  which  thirst  for  thy  promises 
may  evermore  be  filled  from  thine  abundance,  to 
the  glory  of  thy  holy  Name ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  God,  whose  mercy  is  over  all  thy  works,  and 
whose  truth  is  light  to  those  that  mourn,  and  a 
deliverance  to  captives,  and  sight  to  the  blind  ; 
Grant  to  us  all  a  free  remission  of  our  sins,  and  a 
portion  among  those  who  serve  thee  by  faith,  that 
they  may  behold  thee  in  glory  ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

The  Sunday  called  Sexagcsima,  or  the 
second  Sunday  before  Lent. 

O  Lord  God,  who  seest  that  we  put  not  our  trust 
in  any  thing  that  we  do ;  Mercifully  grant  that 
by  thy  power  we  may  be  defended  against  all  ad- 
versity ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


178  COLLECTS   OF   THE    CHRISTLW    YEAR. 

Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  Almighty  God,  that  al- 
ways pressing  onward  in  thy  way  with  devout  minds, 
we  may  escape  the  snares  of  the  sins  that  beset  us  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

Look  mercifully,  O  God,  we  beseech  thee,  on  the 
afflicted  of  thy  people,  and  let  not  our  sins  destroy 
us,  but  let  thine  almighty  mercy  save  us;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

The  Sunday  called  Qiiinquagesima ,  or  the 
the  next  Stniday  before  Lent. 

O  Lord,  who  hast  taught  us  that  all  our  doings 
without  charity  are  nothing  worth  ;  Send  thy  Holy 
Ghost,  and  pour  into  our  hearts  that  most  excellent 
gift  of  charity,  the  very  bond  of  peace  and  of  all 
virtues,  without  which  whosoever  liveth  is  counted 
dead  before  thee.  Grant  this  for  thine  only  Son 
Jesus  Christ's  sake.      Amen. 

O  God,  who  hast  taught  thy  Church  to  keep  all  thy 
commandments  by  loving  first  the  eternal  God,  and 
next  our  neighbor  as  ourself ;  Grant  us  the  spirit  of 
peace  and  grace,  that  thine  universal  family  may  be 
both  devoted  to  thee  with  their  whole  heart,  and 
united  to  each  other  with  a  pure  will;  through  thy 
Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  God,  the  Author  of  peace ;  Grant,  we  beseech 
thee,  that  thy  faithful  people  may  be  so  held  in  the 
bonds  of  charity,  that  the  peaceful  may  remain  in 
peace,  and  that  those  who  differ  may  be  reconciled 
by  thy  mercy  ;  through  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son,  our 
Lord.      Amen, 


TJic  first  day  of  Lent,  commonly  called 
Ash-  Wednesday . 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God.  who  hatest  nothing 
that  thou  hast  made,  and  dost  forgive  the  sins  of  all 
those  who  are  penitent ;  Create  and  make  in  us  new 
and  contrite  hearts,  that  we,  worthily  lamenting  our 
sins  and  acknowledging  our  wretchedness,  may 
obtain  of  thee,  the  God  of  all  mercy,  perfect  re- 
mission and  forgiveness;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  we  beseech  thee  to 
cleanse  away  the  folly  of  our  hearts,  and  to  purify  us 
from  our  sins,  both  open  and  secret,  that  we  may  be 
able  to  serve  thee  with  a  pure  mind,  to  the  honor  of 
thy  holy  Name ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

O  God,  who  desirest  not  the  death  of  a  sinner,  but 
rather  that  he  should  turn  and  live  ;  Look  with  pity 
upon  the  weakness  of  our  mortal  nature,  and  grant 
that  we,  who  confess  that  we  are  but  ashes,  and  that 
for  our  wickedness  we  must  justly  return  to  the  dust, 
may  obtain  of  thee  the  forgiveness  of  all  our  sins, 
and  the  blessings  promised  to  the  penitent ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 


COLLECTS   OF   THE    CHRISTIAN    YEAR.  179 


The  First  Sunday  in  Lent. 

O  Lord,  who  for  our  sake  didst  fast  forty  days  and 
forty  nights;  Give  us  grace  to  use  such  abstinence, 
that,  our  flesh  being  subdued  to  the  Spirit,  we  may 
ever  obey  thy  godly  motions  in  righteousness,  and 
true  holiness,  to  thy  honor  and  glory,  who  livest  and 
reignest  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  one 
God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

We  beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  by  the  mystery  of  our 
Saviour's  fasting  and  temptation,  to  arm  us  with  the 
same  mind  that  was  in  him  toward  all  evil  and  sin, 
and  give  us  grace  to  keep  our  bodies  in  such  holy 
discipline,  that  our  minds  may  be  always  ready  to 
resist  Satan,  and  obey  the  motions  of  thy  Holy 
Spirit ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  God,  whose  blessed  Son  became  obedient  to  the 
law  for  man,  and  underwent  hunger  and  thirst 
in  doing  thy  will,  and  fulfilling  all  righteousness  ; 
Give  us  grace  in  all  patience  and  temperance  so 
to  bear  and  to  forbear,  that  our  flesh  being  subdued 
to  the  Spirit,  we  may  ever  obey  thy  holy  guidance 
and  control,  in  all  righteousness,  purity  and  sober- 
ness. Grant  this  for  the  sake  of  thy  Son  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord,  to  whom,  with  thee  and  the  Holy 
Ghost,  be  all  the  praise,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

The  Second  Sunday  in  Lent. 

Almighty  God,  who  seest  that  we  have  no  power 
of  ourselves  to  help  ourselves  ;  Keep  us  both  out- 
wardly in  our  bodies,  and  inwardly  in  our  souls ; 
that  we  may  be  defended  from  all  adversities  which 
may  happen  to  the  body,  and  from  all  evil  thoughts 
which  may  assault  and  hurt  the  soul ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  God,  who  hast  vouchsafed  to  mankind  the 
remedies  that  bring  salvation,  and  the  gifts  of 
eternal  life  ;  Preserve  to  us,  thy  servants,  the  gifts 
of  thy  power,  and  grant  that  not  only  in  our  bodies, 
but  also  in  our  souls,  we  may  experience  thy  healing  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Grant,  Almighty  God,  that  our  bodies  may  be 
healthful,  and  our  souls  pure,  and  give  us  remission 
of  our  sins  through  the  sacrifice  of  thy  Son,  JesVis 
Christ  our  Lord,  who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  thee 
and  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

The  Third  Sunday  in  Lent. 

We  beseech  thee.  Almighty  God,  look  upon  the 
hearty  desires  of  thy  humble  servants,  and  stretch 
forth  the  right  hand  of  thy  Majesty,  to  be  our 
defence  against  all  our  enemies ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  been  the  hope  and  confi- 
dence of  thy  people  in  all  ages;  Mercifully  regard, 
we  beseech  thee,  our  supplications,    and  in  all  the 


180  COLLECTS   OF   THE    CHRISTIAN   YEAR. 

issues  of  life,  be  unto  us  salvation  and  protection  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

We  beseech  thee,  Almighty  God,  in  thy  loving 
kindness  to  set  in  order  our  life  and  conversation, 
that  no  adversaries  may  prevail  against  us,  and  no 
kind  of  spiritual  good  be  wanting  to  us ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen.  ' 


The  Fourth  Sunday  in  Lent. 

Grant,  we  beseech  thee.  Almighty  God,  that  we, 
who  for  our  evil  deeds  do  worthily  deserve  to  be 
punished,  by  the  comfort  of  thy  grace  may  merci- 
fully be  relieved ;  through  our  Lord  and  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

O  Lord  God,  merciful  and  gracious,  long  suffering 
and  abundant  in  goodness  and  truth  ;  Enter  not  into 
judgment  with  thy  servants,  we  beseech  thee,  but  be 
pleased  of  thy  great  goodness  to  grant,  that  we  who 
are  now  righteously  afflicted  and  bowed  down  by  the 
sense  of  our  sins,  may  be  refreshed  and  lifted  up 
with  the  joy  of  thy  salvation  ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord,      Amen. 

Hear  us,  O  Lord  our  God,  and  separate  the  hearts 
of  thy  faithful  people  from  the  wickedness  of  the 
world,  that  they  who  call  thee  Lord  with  their  own 
voice  may  not  fall  back  into  the  service  of  any 
enemy  of  the  soul.  We  ask  all  through  him  who 
loved  us  and  gave  himself  for  us,  Jesus  Christ  thy 
Son  our  Lord.     Amen. 


The  Fifth  Sunday  in  Lent. 

We  beseech  thee.  Almighty  God,  mercifully  to 
look  upon  thy  people  ;  that  by  thy  great  goodness 
they  may  be  governed  and  preserved  evermore,  both 
in  body  and  soul ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

Merciful  God  and  Father,  make  us,  we  beseech 
thee,  obedient  to  thy  holy  commandments,  so  that 
we  may  present  thee  a  complete  consecration  of 
body,  soul  and  spirit ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen 

Renew  us,  O  our  God,  day  by  day,  that  both 
inwardly  and  outwardly  we  may  be  made  more  and 
more  like  unto  him  who  was  the  Son  of  man  and  the 
Son  of  God ;  through  the  same  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.      Amen. 

Tlie  Sunday  next  before  Easter. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who,  of  thy  tender 
love  toward  mankind,  hast  sent  thy  Son,  our 
Saviour  jesus  Christ,  to  take  upon  him  our  t^esh, 
and  to  suffer  death  upon  the  cross,  that  all  mankind 
should  follow  the  example  of  his  great  humility ; 
Mercifully    grant,    that    we    may    both    follow    the 


COLLECTS  OF  THE   CHRISTIAN   YEAR.  181 

example  of  his  patience,  and  also  be  made  partakers 
of  his  resurrection  ;  through  the  same  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.      Amen. 

O  God,  whose  blessed  Son  entered  Jerusalem 
amid  the  plaudits  and  hosannas  of  the  people,  and  a 
little  later  was  reviled  and  rejected  by  men  ;  Give  us 
grace,  we  beseech  thee,  not  to  place  our  trust  in  the 
applause  of  the  world,  but  may  our  affections  be 
fixed  upon  the  things  that  shall  endure  forevermore 
at  thy  right  hand;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

Grant,  Almighty  God,  that  amid  the  insincerity 
and  fickleness  of  the  world  we  may  always  exercise 
the  spirit  of  humility  and  patience,  following  the 
example  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  to 
whom,  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all  do- 
minion and  power,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

Motiday  before  Easter. 

Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  Almighty  God,  that  we,  who 
amid  so  many  adversities  do  fail  through  our  own 
infirmities,  may  be  restored  through  the  passion  and 
intercession  of  thine  only-begotten  Son  ;  who  liveth 
and  reigneth  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  ever  one 
God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

O  holy  and-  most  merciful  Saviour,  thou  most 
worthy  Judge  eternal,  who,  as  on  this  day  didst 
curse  the  fig  tree  bearing  leaves  and  no  fruit ;  Take 
away  from  us  all  hollow,  vain  and  false  appearances, 
and  make  us  plenteously  to  bring  forth  the  fruit 
of  good  works,  and  of  thee  to  be  plenteously  re- 
warded, through  thy  merits,  who  with  the  Father 
and  the  Holy  Ghost  livest  and  reignest,  ever  one 
God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

Tuesday  before  Easter. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  grant  us  grace  so  to 
pass  through  this  holy  time  of  our  Lord's  passion, 
that  we  may  obtain  the  pardon  of  our  sins ;  through 
the  same,  thy  Son,  who  liveth  and  reigneth  with 
thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  ever  one  God,  world  with- 
out end.      Amen. 

Blessed  Jesus,  who  as  on  this  day,  didst  endure 
such  contradiction  of  sinners;  Grant  to  us,  thy 
servants,  not  to  wish  to  be  above  our  Master,  but 
to  be  as  our  Master,  even  like  thee  our  only  Lord 
and  Saviour,  to  whom,  with  the  Father  and  the 
Holy  Ghost,  be  glory  and  dominion,  world  without 
end.     Amen. 

Wednesday  before  Easter. 

Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  Almighty  God,  that  tve, 
who  for  our  evil  deeds  are  continually  afflicted,  may 
mercifully  be  relieved  by  the  passion  of  thine  only- 
begotten  Son,  who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  thee  and 
the  Holy  Ghost,  ever  one  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 


182  COLLECTS  OF   THE   CHRISTIAN    YEAR. 

Blessed  Jesus,  who  as  on  this  day  wast  sold  into 
the  hands  of  wicked  men  to  redeem  us  from  sin  and 
death,  root  out  of  us  the  love  of  money,  and  make  us 
content  with  such  things  as  we  have,  through  thy 
merits,  who,  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
livest  and  reignest,  ever  one  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

Thursday  before  Easter. 

O  God,  who  in  this  wonderful  Sacrament  hast  left 
unto  us  a  memorial  of  thy  passion  ;  Grant  to  us,  we 
beseech  thee,  so  to  venerate  the  sacred  mysteries  of 
thy  Body  and  Blood,  that  we  may  always  perceive  in 
ourselves  the  fruit  of  thy  redemption ;  who  livest 
and  reignest  with  the  Father  in  the  unity  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

Blessed  Lord,  who  as  on  this  day  didst  wash  the 
feet  of  thy  disciples,  grant  us,  also,  to  be  ready  to 
wash  one  another's  feet,  and  gladly  to  minister  to  our 
brethren  with  great  humility  and  love.  Hear  us,  O 
Saviour,  who  livest  and  reignest  with  the  Father  and 
the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

Good  Friday . 

Almighty  God,  we  beseech  thee  graciously  to  be- 
hold this  thy  family,  for  which  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  was  contented  to  be  betraye^,  and  given  up 
into  the  hands  of  wicked  men,  and  to  sufter  death 
upon  the  cross  ;  who  now  liveth  and  reigneth  with 
thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  ever  one  God,  world  with- 
out end.     Amen. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  by  whose  Spirit  the 
whole  body  of  the  Church  is  governed  and  sanctified  ; 
Receive  our  supplications  and  prayers,  which  we 
offer  before  thee  for  all  estates  of  men  in  thy  holy 
Church,  that  every  member  of  the  same,  in  his 
vocation  and  ministry,  may  truly  and  godly  serve 
thee;  through  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 

O  merciful  God,  who  hast  made  all  men,  and 
hatest  nothing  that  thou  hast  made,  nor  desirest  the 
death  of  a  sinner,  but  rather  that  he  should  be  con- 
verted and  live;  Have  mercy  upon  all  Jews,  Turks, 
infidels  and  heretics ;  and  take  from  them  all  igno- 
rance, hardness  of  heart,  and  contempt  of  thy  Word  ; 
and  so  fetch  them  home,  blessed  Lord,  to  thy  flock, 
that  they  may  be  saved  among  the  remnant  of  the 
true  Israelites,  and  be  made  one  fold  under  one 
shepherd,  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  who  liveth  and 
reigneth  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  one  God, 
world  without  end.     Amen. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  hast  willed 
that  thy  Son  should  bear  for  us  the  pains  of  the 
cross,  that  thou  mightest  remove  from  us  the  power 
of  the  adversary ;  Help  us  so  to  remember  and  give 
thanks  for  our  Lord's  passion  that  we  may  obtain 
remission  of  sin  and  redemption  from  everlasting 
death  ;  through  the  same,  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 


COLLECTS  OF  THE   CHRISTIAN   YEAR.  1S3 

O  righteous  and  holy  God,  who  hast  manifested 
toward  us  thine  unfathomable  love,  in  not  sparing 
thine  own  Son,  but  delivering  him  up  for  us  all ;  By 
the  memory  of  his  bitter  death,  by  the  awful  mystery 
of  his  sorrows  in  the  garden  and  upon  the  cross,  we 
humbly  beseech  thee  to  have  mercy  upon  us  and 
upon  all  men,  and  to  make  known  thy  saving  health 
among  the  nations,  that  he  may  see  of  the  travail  of 
his  soul  and  be  satisfied  ;  to  whom,  with  thee  and 
the  Holy  Ghost,  be  honor  and  glory,  world  without 
end.     Amen. 

Easter- Even . 

Grant,  O  Lord,  that  as  we  are  baptized  into  the 
death  of  thy  blessed  Son,  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ, 
so  by  continual  mortifying  our  corrupt  affections  we 
may  be  buried  with  him  ;  and  that  through  the 
grave  and  gate  of  death,  we  may  pass  to  our  joyful 
resurrection ;  for  his  merits,  who  died,  and  was 
buried,  and  rose  again  for  us,  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  God,  who  didst  enlighten  this  most  holy  night 
with  the  glory  of  the  Lord's  resurrection  ;  Preserve 
in  all  thy  people  the  spirit  of  adoption  which  thou 
hast  given,  so  that  renewed  in  body  and  soul  they 
may  perform  unto  thee  a  pure  service  ;  through  the 
same,  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  liveth  and  reign- 
eth  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  ever  one  God, 
world  without  end.     Amen. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  didst,  for  our  sins, 
endure  the  cross  and  the  grave,  and  then  didst,  on 
the  third  day,  rise  again  from  the  tomb  ;  Grant  that 
we,  who  have  been  buried  and  raised  again  with 
thee  in  Baptism,  and  washed  from  all  our  iniquities, 
may  by  thy  blood  be  continually  cleansed  from  all 
spot  of  sin  ;  through  thy  mercy,  O  our  God,  who  art 
blessed,  and  dost  live,  and  govern  all  things,  world 
without  end.     Amen. 


Easter-day . 

Almighty  God,  who  through  thine  only-begotten 
Son  Jesus  Christ  hast  overcome  death,  and  opened 
unto  us  the  gate  of  everlasting  life  ;  We  humbly 
beseech  thee  that,  as  by  thy  special  grace  preventing 
us  thou  dost  put  into  our  minds  good  desires,  so 
by  thy  continual  help  we  may  bring  the  same  to  good 
effect ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  who  liveth 
and  reigneth  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost  ever, 
one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

O  God,  who  for  our  redemption  didst  give  thine 
only-begotten  Son  to  the  death  of  the  cross,  and  by 
his  glorious  resurrection  hast  delivered  us  from  the 
power  of  our  enemy  ;  Grant  us  so  to  die  daily  from 
sin,  that  we  may  evermore  live  with  him  in  the  joy 
of  his  resurrection  ;  through  the  same  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 


184  COLLECTS   OF   THE    CHRISTIAN   YEAR. 

Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  Almighty  God,  that  we 
who  celebrate  the  Paschal  Feast,  kindled  with 
heavenly  desires,  may  ever  thirst  for  the  Fountain 
of  Life,  Jesus  Christ  thy  Son,  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Grant,  we  beseech  thee.  Almighty  God,  that  we 
who  celebrate  the  solemnities  of  the  Lord's  resur- 
rection, may  by  the  renewal  of  thy  Holy  Spirit  rise 
again  from  the  death  of  the  soul ;  through  the  same 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


Monday  in  Eastcr-weck . 

Almighty  God,  who  through  thine  only-begotten 
Son  Jesus  Christ  hast  overcome  death,  and  opened 
unto  us  the  gate  of  everlasting  life  ;  We  humbly 
beseech  thee  that,  as  by  thy  special  grace  preventing 
us  thou  dost  put  into  our  minds  good  desires,  so  by 
thy  continual  help  we  may  bring  the  same  to  good 
effect ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  who  liveth 
and  reigneth  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost  ever,  one 
God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  Almighty  God,  that  we 
who  commemorate  the  Lord's  resurrection,  may  by 
the  help  of  thy  grace,  bring  forth  the  fruits  thereof 
in  our  life  and  conversation  ;  through  the  same  Jesus 
Christ,  thy  Son,  our  Lord,  who  liveth  and  reigneth 
with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  ever  one  God,  world 
without  end.     Amen. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  wilt  come  again  to  judge 
the  quick  and  the  dead,  and  call  forth  all  who  sleep 
in  their  graves,  either  to  the  resurrection  of  life,  or 
the  resurrection  of  condemnation  ;  We  beseech  thee 
to  be  gracious  to  us,  and  to  raise  us  up  to  life  ever- 
lasting, that  we  may  abide  with  thee  forever  ;  who 
livest  and  reignest  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy 
Ghost,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


Tuesday  in  Easter-week. 

Almighty  God,  who  through  thine  only-begotten 
Son  Jesus  Christ  hast  overcome  death,  a,nd  opened 
unto  us  the  gate  of  everlasting  life ;  We  humbly 
beseech  thee  that,  as  by  thy  special  grace  preventing 
us  thou  dost  put  into  our  minds  good  desires,  so  by 
thy  continual  help  we  may  bring  the  same  to  good 
effect ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  who  liveth 
and  reigneth  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  ever  one 
God,  world  without  end.      Amen. 

Almighty  and  most  merciful  God,  who  hast  ap- 
pointed us  to  endure  suffering  and  death  with  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  before  we  enter  with  him  into 
glory  ;  Grant  us  grace  at  all  times  to  submit  our- 
selves to  thy  holy  will,  to  continue  stedfast  in  the 
true  faith  unto  the  end,  and  to  find  peace  and  joy  in 
the  blessed  hope  of  the  resurrection  of  the  dead,  and 
the  glory  of  the  world  to  come  ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.      Amen. 


COLLECTS   OF   THE    CHRISTL\N    YEAR.  185 

Almighty  God,  who  by  the  humiliation  of  thy  Son, 
didst  raise  up  the  fallen  world ;  Grant  unto  thy 
faithful  ones  perpetual  gladness,  and  those  whom 
thou  hast  delivered  from  the  danger  of  everlasting 
death,  do  thou  make  partakers  of  eternal  joys ; 
through  the  same  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  who  liveth 
and  reigneth  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  ever  one 
God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


TJie  First  Sunday  after  Easter. 

Almighty  Father,  who  hast  given  thine  only  Son 
to  die  for  our  sins,  and  to  rise  again  for  our  justifi- 
cation ;  Grant  us  so  to  put  away  the  leaven  of  malice 
and  wickedness,  that  we  may  always  serve  thee  in 
pureness  of  living  and  truth ;  through  the  merits 
of  the  same  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Grant,  Almighty  God,  that  the  power  of  the  resur- 
rection of  thy  Son  may  be  manifested  in  the  purity 
of  our  thoughts  and  the  holiness  of  our  daily  lives; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

O  Lion  of  the  tribe  of  Judah,  O  Root  of  David  ; 
Enlighten  our  hearts  and  minds  with  thy  true 
wisdom,  that  we,  who  now  rejoice  in  thy  resur- 
rection, may,  in  thy  kingdom,  join  with  thy  blessed 
ones,  and  with  all  the  heavenly  host,  in  praising  thy 
glorious  Name,  who,  with  the  Father,  and  the  Holy 
Ghost,  livest  and  reignest,  ever  one  God,  world  with- 
out end.     Amen. 


TJie  Second  Sunday  after  Easter. 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  given  thine  only  Son  to 
be  unto  us  both  a  sacrifice  for  sin,  and  also  an 
ensample  of  godly  life;  Give  us  grace  that  we  may 
always  most  thankfully  receive  that,  his  inestimable 
benefit,  and  also  daily  endeavor  ourselves  to  follow 
the  blessed  steps  of  his  most  holy  life  ;  through  the 
same  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  God,  who,  of  thine  abundant  mercy,  hast  be- 
gotten us  again  unto  a  lively  hope,  by  the  resur- 
rection of  Jesus  Christ  from  the  deatl ;  Let  thy  great 
love  constrain  us,  we  beseech  thee,  to  rise  up,  forsake 
all,  and  follow  him  ;  that  as  we  have  been  redeemed 
by  his  Blood,  so  we  may  walk  also  in  the  light  of  his 
holy  example,  and  be  joined  to  him  evermore  as  the 
Shepherd  and  Bishop  of  our  souls  ;  to  whom,  with 
thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  honor  and  glory,  world 
without  end.     Amen. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  Shepherd  of  souls,  who 
leadeth  thy  flock  into  green  pastures,  and  to  refresh- 
ing streams  ;  Help  us  to  hear  thy  voice,  and  to  follow 
thee,  that  we  may  evermore  be  the  sheep  of  thy 
fold,  and  praise  thee  with  the  Father  and  Holy 
Spirit,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


186  COLLECTS   OF   THE   CHRISTIAN    YEAR. 


Tlie  Third  Sunday  after  Easter. 

Almighty  God,  who  showest  to  them  that  are  in 
error  the  light  of  thy  truth,  to  the  intent  that  they 
may  return  into  the  way  of  righteousness ;  Grant 
unto  all  those  who  are  admitted  into  the  fellowship 
of  Christ's  religion,  that  they  may  avoid  those 
things  that  are  contrary  to  their  profession,  and 
follow  all  such  things  as  are  agreeable  to  the  same; 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.      Amen. 

God  of  all  truth  and  grace,  who  hast  cau.sed  the 
Sun  of  righteousness  to  arise  upon  a  dark  and  be- 
nighted world,  in  bringing  up  thy  Holy  One  from  the 
grave;  Be  pleased  graciously  so  to  illuminate  the 
souls  of  thy  people  with  the  beams  of  heavenly 
wisdom,  that  they  may  continually  walk  in  thy  light, 
and  know  both  to  avoid  evil  and  to  follow  after  that 
which  is  good  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  who 
liveth  and  reigneth  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
ever  one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

O  God,  who  delightest  in  the  devotion  of  the  faith- 
ful ;  Make  thy  people,  we  pray  thee,  to  be  devoted 
to  holy  things.  Help  them  not  only  to  depart  from 
sin,  but  to  refrain  from  the  appearance  of  evil ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

TJie  Fourth  Sitnday  after  Easter. 

O  Almighty  God,  who  alone  canst  order  the  unruly 
wills  and  affections  of  sinful  men  ;  Grant  unto  thy 
people,  that  they  may  love  the  thing  which  thou 
commandest,  and  desire  that  which  thou  dost 
promise  ;  that  so,  among  the  sundry  and  manifold 
changes  of  the  world,  our  hearts  may  surely  there  be 
fixed,  where  true  joys  are  to  be  found;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  God,  whose  promises  are  the  comfort,  and  thy 
graces  the  support  of  thy  people ;  Grant  that  what 
is  now  their  hope  in  time,  may  hereafter  be  their 
joy  throughout  eternity  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

O  God,  who  hast  founded  the  earth  upon  the  seas, 
and  established  it  upon  the  floods  and  whose  Word  is 
forever  settled  in  heaven  ;  Grant  unto  us  grace,  we 
beseech  thee,  to  look  beyond  the  things  which  are 
seen  and  temporal  to  the  things  which  are  not  seen 
and  eternal ;  that  walking  by  faith  more  than  by 
sight,  we  may  not  be  unduly  moved  by  any  occasions 
in  this  world,  but  be  able  to  endure  unto  the  end  in 
the  way  of  life  ;  through  him  who  is  the  same  yester- 
day and  to-day,  and  forever,  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

TJie  Fifth  Sunday  after  Easter. 

O  Lord,  from  whom  all  good  things  do  come ; 
Grant  to  us  thy  humble  servants,  that  by  thy  holy 
inspiration  we  may  think  those  things  that  are  good, 
and  by  th)'  merciful  guiding  may  perform  the  same; 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


COLLECTS   OF   THE    CHRISTIAN    YEAR.  187 

Vouchsafe  unto  us,  O  Lord,  the  inspirations  of  thy 
salutary  grace,  and  quicken  us  according  to  thy 
Word  ;  that  knowing  what  is  right,  and  approving 
that  which  is  good,  we  may,  by  patient  continuance 
in  well  doing,  seek  for  glory  and  honor  and  immor- 
tality ;  and  so  finally  having  escaped  the  corruption 
that  is  in  the  world  through  lust,  find  an  entrance 
ministered  unto  us  abundantly  into  the  everlasting 
kingdom  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  to 
whom,  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  honor  and 
glory,  world  without  end.      Amen. 

Grant,  O  Almighty  God,  that  as  we  are  saved 
from  all  evil  by  partaking  of  thy  thought,  and  be- 
coming obedient  to  thy  will,  so  we  may  ever  be  pre- 
served by  thy  power,  and  enjoy  the  peace  of  thy 
kingdom  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

TJie  Ascension-day. 

Grant,  we  beseech  thee.  Almighty  God,  that  like 
as  we  do  believe  thine  only-begotten  Son  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  to  have  ascended  into  the  heavens  ;  so 
we  may  also  in  heart  and  mind  thither  ascend,  and 
with  him  continually  dwell,  who  liveth  and  reigneth 
with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  with- 
out end.     Amen. 

O  Lord,  the  king  of  glory,  who,  when  thou  hadst 
fulfilled  all  that  the  prophets  had  spoken  of  thee, 
didst,  through  the  eternal  doors,  ascend  to  thy 
Father's  throne,  and  open  the  kingdom  of  heaven  to 
all  believers ;  Grant  that  whilst  thou  dost  reign  in 
heaven,  we  may  not  be  bowed  down  to  the  things  of 
earth,  but  that  our  hearts  may  there  be  lifted  up 
whither  our  redemption  is  gone  before ;  through  thy 
mercy,  O  our  God,  who,  with  the  Father  and  the 
Holy  Ghost,  livest  and  reignest,  ever  one  God,  world 
without  end.     Amen. 

Raise,  Almighty  God,  our  affections  to  things 
above,  and  though  we  walk  upon  the  earth,  may  our 
conversation  be  in  heaven,  from  whence  also  we  look 
for  the  Saviour ;  to  whom,  with  thee  and  the  Holy 
Ghost  be  all  honor  and  glory,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

Sunday  after  Ascension-day. 

O  God,  the  King  of  glory,  who  hast  exalted  thine 
only  Son  Jesus  Christ  with  great  triumph  unto  thy 
kingdom  in  heaven  ;  We  beseech  thee,  leave  us  not 
comfortless;  but  send  to  us  thine  Holy  Ghost  to 
comfort  us,  and  exalt  us  unto  the  same  place  whither 
our  Saviour  Christ  is  gone  before,  who  liveth  and 
reigneth  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God, 
world  without  end.     Amen. 

Almighty  God,  in  whose  sight  to  sin  is  to  die,  but 
in  whom  knowledge  is  life ;  Grant  that  as  by  ne- 
cessity of  nature  we  have  borne  the  likeness  of 
things  earthly,  so  by  the  inward  transformation  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  we  may  attain  to  things  heavenly, 
and  dwell  in  thy  likeness  forever :  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 


188  COLLECTS   OF   THE    CHRISTIAN    YEAR. 

O  Lord,  strong  and  mighty,  the  Lord  of  hosts,  the 
King  of  glory  ;  Cleanse  our  hearts  from  sin,  keep 
our  hands  pure,  and  turn  away  our  minds  from 
vanity,  so  that,  at  the  last,  we  may  stand  in  thy 
Holy  Place,  and  receive  blessing  from  thee,  whom, 
with  the  Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  we  worship 
and  glorify,  as  one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


Whitsunday . 

O  God,  who  as  at  this  time  didst  teach  the  hearts 
of  thy  faithful  people,  by  sending  to  them  the  light 
of  thy  Holy  Spirit  ;  Grant  us  by  the  same  Spirit 
to  have  a  right  judgment  in  all  things,  and  evermore 
to  rejoice  in  his  holy  comfort ;  through  the  merits  of 
Christ  Jesus  our  Saviour,  who  liveth  and  reigneth 
with  thee,  in  the  unity  of  the  same  Spirit,  one  God, 
world  without  end.      Amen. 

O  Holy  Ghost,  who  as  at  this  time,  didst  descend 
upon  the  Apostles  in  the  likeness  of  fiery  tongues ; 
Take  away  all  vices  from  our  hearts,  and  fill  us  with 
all  wisdom  and  spiritual  understanding;  Grant  this, 
O  blessed  Spirit,  who,  with  the  Father  and  the  Son, 
livest  and  reignest,  ever  one  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  given  us  commandment 
to  pray  for  the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost ;  Most  heart- 
ily we  beseech  thee,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Advocate,  to  grant  us  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  he  may 
quicken  our  hearts  by  thy  saving  Word,  and  lead  us 
into  all  truth,  that  he  may  guide,  instruct,  enlighten, 
govern,  comfort  and  sanctify  us  unto  everlasting 
life ;  through  the  same  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

Monday  in  Whitsitn-week. 

O  God,  who  as  at  this  time  didst  teach  the  hearts 
of  thy  faithful  people,  by  sending  to  them  the  light 
of  thy  Holy  Spirit ;  Grant  us  by  the  same  Spirit  to 
have  a  right  judgment  in  all  things,  and  evermore  to 
rejoice  in  his  holy  comfort  ;  through  the  merits  of 
Christ  Jesus  our  Saviour,  who  liveth  and  reigneth 
with  thee,  in  the  unity  of  the  same  Spirit,  one  God, 
world  without  end.     Amen. 

Grant,  we  beseech  thee.  Almighty  God,  that  the 
brightness  of  thy  glory  may  shine  forth  upon  us,  and 
that  the  light  of  thy  light  by  the  illumination  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  may  stablish  the  hearts  of  all  that  have 
been  born  anew  by  thy  grace  ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.      Amen. 

O  Lord  God,  heavenly  Father,  who  by  the  blessed 
light  of  thy  divine  Word,  hast  led  us  to  the  knowledge 
of  thy  Son  ;  We  most  heartily  beseech  thee,  so  to 
replenish  us  with  the  grace  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that 
we  may  ever  walk  in  the  light  of  thy  truth,  and 
rejoicing  with  sure  confidence  in  Christ  our  Saviour, 
may  in  the  end  be  brought  unto  everlasting  salvation  ; 
through  the  same  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


COLLECTS   OF   THE    CHRISTIAN    YEAR.  189 


Tuesday  in  Whitsun-iveck. 

O  God,  who  as  at  this  time  didst  teach  the  hearts 
of  thy  faithful  people,  by  sending  to  them  the  light 
of  thy  Holy  Spirit  ;  Grant  us  by  the  same  Spirit  to 
have  a  right  judgment  in  all  things,  and  evermore  to 
rejoice  in  his  holy  comfort  ;  through  the  merits  of 
Christ  Jesus  our  Saviour,  who  liveth  and  reigneth 
with  thee,  in  the  unity  of  the  same  Spirit,  one  God, 
world  without  end.      Amen. 

O  God,  the  Protector  and  Guide  of  all  who  trust  in 
thee  ;  Turn  away  from  us  the  false  gleams  of  selfish 
and  worldly  wisdom,  that  under  the  teaching  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  we  may  find  pleasure  in  the  simplicity  of 
thy  truth,  and  have  the  wisdom  which  comes  of  thy 
holy  fear  ;   through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  of  thy  great 
mercy  in  Jesus  Christ  thy  Son,  dost  grant  us  forgive- 
ness of  sin,  and  all  things  pertaining  to  life  and  god- 
liness ;  Grant  us,  we  beseech  thee,  thy  Holy  Spirit, 
that  he  may  so  rule  our  hearts,  that  we,  being  ever 
mindful  of  thy  fatherly  mercy,  may  strive  to  mortify 
the  flesh,  and  to  overcome  the  world,  and  serving 
thee  in  holiness  and  pureness  of  living,  may  give 
thee  continual  thanks  for  all  thy  goodness  ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  thy  Son,  our  Lord.     Amen. 


Trinity-Sunday . 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  hast  given 
unto  us  thy  servants  grace,  by  the  confession  of  a 
true  faith,  to  acknowledge  the  glory  of  the  eternal 
Trinity,  and  in  the  power  of  the  divine  Majesty 
to  worship  the  Unity  ;  We  beseech  thee  that  thou 
wouldest  keep  us  stedfast  in  this  faith,  and  evermore 
defend  us  from  all  adversities,  who  livest  and  reign- 
est,  one  God,  world  without  end.      Amen. 

O  God,  the  Creator  and  Saviour  of  the  world,  who 
hast  made  thyself  known  in  the  work  of  man's  re- 
demption, as  the  mystery  of  the  ever  adorable 
Trinity,  Father,  Son  and  Holy  Ghost,  Three  in 
One  and  One  in  Three  ;  Reveal  in  us,  we  beseech 
thee,  the  full  power  of  this  faith,  into  which  we  have 
been  planted  by  Baptism,  that  being  born  of  water 
and  the  Spirit,  we  may,  by  a  life  of  holiness,  be 
formed  into  thine  image  here,  and  rise  to  thy  blissful 
presence  hereafter ;  there  to  join  with  the  song 
of  the  seraphim,  in  praising  thee,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

O  Father,  Son  and  Holy  Ghost,  Three  Persons, 
and  One  God  ;  Enlighten,  we  prav  thee,  our  hearts 
and  minds,  that  we,  stedfast  in  the  true  faith,  and 
ever  shining  in  good  works,  may  attain  at  last  to  the 
life  everlasting;  through  thy  mercy,  O  our  God,  who 
art  blessed,  and  dost  live,  and  govern  all  things, 
world  without  end.     Amen. 


190  COLLECTS   OF   THE    CHRISTIAN    YEAR. 

The  First  Sunday  after  Trinity . 

O  God,  the  strength  of  all  those  who  put  their 
trust  in  thee  ;  Mercifully  accept  our  prayers  ;  and 
because,  through  the  weakness  of  our  mortal  nature, 
we  can  do  no  good  thing  without  thee,  grant  us  the 
help  of  thy  grace,  that  in  keeping  thy  command- 
ments we  may  please  thee,  both  in  will  and  deed  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Confirm  and  strengthen  in  us,  O  God,  sincere  and 
upright  purposes,  foster  in  us  warm  and  true  af- 
fections, and  help  us  to  bring  to  good  effect  the  holy 
desires  which  by  thy  grace  arise  in  our  hearts. 
When  we  are  tempted,  strengthen  us,  when  we  are 
weak,  encourage  us,  when  we  are  cast  down,  raise  us 
up.  Leave  us  not  without  thy  grace,  but  perfect  thy 
work  in  us,  and  grant  that  we  may  do  thee  true  and 
faithful  service  in  this  world,  and  may  enter  at  the 
last  into  thy  eternal  peace  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.      Amen. 

Guide,  Almighty  God,  our  steps  into  the  paths  of 
righteousness,  that  we  may  behave  ourselves  accord- 
ing to  thy  will,  and  observe  thy  commandments  all 
the  days  of  our  life,  and  come  to  a  blessed  end  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


The  Second  Sunday  after  Trinity . 

O  Lord,  who  never  failest  to  help  and  govern 
those  whom  thou  dost  bring  up  in  thy  stedfast  fear 
and  love ;  Keep  us,  we  beseech  thee,  under  the  pro- 
tection of  thy  good  providence,  and  make  us  to  have 
a  perpetual  fear  and  love  of  thy  holy  Name  ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

O  God,  the  author  of  all  freedom  and  salvation, 
hear  the  voices  of  thy  people,  and  grant  that  those 
whom  thou  deliverest  from  evil  may  both  live  by 
thee,  and  in  thee  enjoy  perpetual  peace  ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  the  source  of  all 
life  and  joy,  who  by  the  glad  sound  of  the  gospel, 
hast  called  us  to  have  part  in  thy  kingdom  and  glory  ; 
Shine  powerfully  into  our  hearts,  we  beseech  thee, 
by  thy  Word  and  Spirit,  and  draw  us  with  the  cords 
of  thy  constraining  grace,  that  we  may  heartily 
choose  that  good  part  which  shall  not  be  taken  away 
from  us,  and  give  all  diligence  to  make  our  calling 
and  election  sure ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


Tlic  Third  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee  mercifully  to  hear  us; 
and  grant  that  we,  to  whom  thou  hast  given  an 
hearty  desire  to  pray,  may,  bv  thy  mighty  aid,  be 
defended  and  comforted  in  all  dangers  and  ad- 
versities ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


COLLECTS   OF   THE    CHRISTIAN    YEAR.  191 

O  Lord  our  God,  who  alone  foresees!  and  bestow- 
est  things  needful  for  our  salvation  ;  Do  thou  both 
bestow  on  our  souls  the  hearty  desire  of  imploring 
thy  mercy,  and  graciously  vouchsafe  us  what  will 
be  for  our  good  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

O  God,  the  Lord,  strong  to  deliver  and  mighty  to 
save,  who  hast  been  the  refuge  and  dwelling  place 
of  thy  people  in  all  generations ;  Perfect  and  fulfill 
in  us,  we  beseech  thee,  the  work  of  thy  converting 
grace,  and  be  pleased  to  confirm  in  us  every  good 
purpose  and  deed;  that  having  been  called  into  the 
way  of  righteousness,  we  ma}'  have  power  to  con- 
tinue stedfastly  in  the  same  until  the  day  of  Jesus 
Christ ;  to  whom  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be 
all  honor  and  praise,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


TJic  Fourth  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

O  God,  the  protector  of  all  that  trust  in  thee, 
without  whom  nothing  is  strong,  nothing  is  holy  ; 
Increase  and  multiply  upon  us  thy  mercy  ;  that,  thou 
being  our  ruler  and  guide,  we  may  so  pass  through 
things  temporal,  that  we  finally  lose  not  the  things 
eternal.  Grant  this,  O  heavenly  Father,  for  Jesus 
Christ's  sake,  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  God,  who  only  art  holy,  and  who  dost  by  thy 
grace  purify  the  unholy ;  Cleanse  us,  we  humbly 
beseech  thee,  from  every  spot  of  sin,  so  that, 
justified  by  thee,  our  names  may  be  written  in 
heaven  ;  Grant  this,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ,  our 
most  blessed  Lord  and  Saviour.     Amen. 

O  God,  whose  favor  is  life  and  in  whose  presence 
there  is  fulness  of  peace  and  joy  ;  Vouchsafe  unto  us, 
we  beseech  thee,  such  an  abiding  sense  of  the  reality 
and  glory  of  those  things  which  thou  hast  prepared 
for  those  that  love  thee,  as  may  serve  to  raise  us 
above  the  vanity  of  this  present  world,  both  in  its 
pleasures  and  in  its  necessary  trials  and  pains,  so 
that  under  thy  guidance  and  help  all  things  here 
shall  work  together  for  our  everlasting  salvation ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


The  Fifth  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Grant,  O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  that  the  course 
of  this  world  may  be  so  peaceably  ordered  by  thy 
governance,  that  thy  Church  may  joyfully  serve  thee 
in  all  godl\-  quietness ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.      Amen. 

O  God,  favorably  receive  the  prayers  of  thy 
Church,  that  being  delivered  from  all  adversity  and 
error,  it  may  serve  thee  in  safety  and  freedom  ;  and 
grant  us  thy  peace  in  our  time  ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord,  who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  thee  and  the 
Holy  Ghost  ever,  one  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 


192  COLLECTS   OF    THE    CHRISTIAN    YEAR. 

O  God,  who  art  both  the  Restorer  and  Ruler  of 
mankind  ;  Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  that  thy  Church 
may  ever  be  increased  by  a  new  offspring,  and  grow 
up  by  the  devotion  of  all  the  faithful,  through  the 
indwelling  of  the  Holy  Spirit;  to  whom,  with  thee 
and  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  be  all  the  glory  and  honor, 
world  without  end.      Amen, 

The  Sixth  Sunday  after  Trinity . 

O  God,  who  hast  prepared  for  those  who  love  thee 
such  good  things  as  pass  man's  understanding  ;  Pour 
into  our  hearts  such  love  toward  thee,  that  we,  loving 
thee  above  all  things,  may  obtain  thy  promises, 
which  exceed  all  that  we  can  desire ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

O  God,  who  makest  all  things  work  together  for 
good  to  those  that  love  thee  ;  Grant  to  our  hearts  an 
invincible  power  of  love,  that  the  desires  which  have 
been  conceived  by  thine  inspiration  may  not  be 
changed  by  any  temptations ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

Give  us,  Almighty  God,  a  heart  to  love  and  serve 
thee,  and  enable  us  to  show  our  thankfulness  for  all 
the  goodness  and  mercy  thou  hast  granted  us,  by 
giving  up  ourselves  to  thy  service,  and  cheerfully 
submitting  in  all  things  to  thy  blessed  will ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

TJie  SeventJi  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Lord  of  all  power  and  might,  who  art  the  author 
and  giver  of  all  good  things  ;  Graft  in  our  hearts  the 
love  of  thy  Name,  increase  in  us  true  religion, 
nourish  us  with  all  goodness,  and  of  thy  great  mercy 
keep  us  in  the  same  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

Almighty  God,  the  Former  of  our  bodies  and 
Father  of  our  spirits,  in  whom  we  live,  move  and 
have  our  being ;  Shed  abroad  thy  love  in  our  hearts, 
we  beseech  thee,  and  cause  the  comfort  of  thy 
heavenly  grace  to  abound  in  us,  as  the  earnest  and 
pledge  of  joys  to  come,  that  casting  away  all  anxious 
thought  for  the  transitory  things  of  this  life,  we  may 
seek  first  thy  kingdom  and  righteousness,  and  labor 
only  for  that  meat  which  endureth  unto  everlasting 
life  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Increase  in  our  hearts.  O  God,  the  power  of  faith 
and  love,  that  no  temptations  may  overcome  us  and 
no  evils  deter  us  in  thy  service;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

'The  Eighth  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

O  God,  whose  never-failing  providence  ordereth 
all  things  both  in  heaven  and  earth  ;  We  humbly 
beseech  thee  to  put  away  from  us  all  hurtful  things, 
and  to  give  us  those  things  which  are  profitable  for 
us;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


COLLECTS   OF  THE   CHRISTIAN   YEAR.  193 

O  God,  who  dividest  the  day  from  the  night, 
separate  our  deeds  from  the  gloom  of  darkness  that, 
ever  meditating  on  holy  things,  we  may  continually 
live  in  thy  light ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

Keep  alive  within  us,  O  God,  that  fire  which  thy 
blessed  Son  came  to  kindle  upon  earth,  that  we  also 
may  be  anointed  with  his  Spirit  of  peace,  holiness 
and  obedience;  through  the  same  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 


Tlic  Ninth  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Grant  to  us,  Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  the  spirit  to 
think  and  do  always  such  things  as  are  right;  that 
we,  who  cannot  do  any  thing  that  is  good  without 
thee,  may  by  thee  be  enabled  to  live  according  to 
thy  will;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

We  beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  in  thy  loving  kindness 
to  pour  thy  holy  light  into  our  souls,  that  we  may 
ever  be  devoted  to  thee,  by  whose  wisdom  we  were 
created,  and  by  whose  providence  we  are  governed  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Reveal  thyself  unto  us,  O  God,  that  we  may  know 
thy  will,  and  delight  in  doing  it,  with  the  same  spirit 
rrianifested  by  thy  Son  ;  to  whom,  with  thee  and  the 
Holy  Ghost,  be  dominion  and  glory  forever  and  ever. 
Amen. 


The  Tenth  Sunday  after  Trinity . 

Let  thy  merciful  ears,  O  Lord,  be  open  to  the 
prayers  of  thy  humble  servants  ;  and  that  they  may 
obtain  their  petitions,  make  them  to  ask  such  things 
as  shall  please  thee ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  let  thy  favor  be  present 
with  thy  people  who  call  upon  thee  ;  That  what  by 
thy  inspiration  they  faithfully  ask,  by  thy  speedy 
bounty  they  may  obtain  ;  through  the  mercy  of  thy 
Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

We  beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  vouchsafe  us  an  un- 
ceasing perseverance  in  praying  unto  thee,  that  as 
thou  dost  not  forsake  us  in  our  sorrow,  so  thou 
mayest  cherish  us  with  more  abundant  grace  when 
we  continually  beseech  thy  Majesty  ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


TJie  Eleventh  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

O  God,  who  declarest  thy  almighty  power  chiefly 
in  showing  mercy  and  pity  ;  Mercifully  grant  unto 
us  such  a  measure  of  thy  grace,  that  we,  running  the 
way  of  thy  commandments,  may  obtain  thy  gracious 
promises,  and  be  made  partakers  of  thy  heavenly 
treasure;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

13 


194  COLLECTS   OF   THE   CHRISTIAN    YEAR. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God.  glorify  thyself,  we 
beseech  thee,  in  all  that  we  do  and  suffer,  and  lead 
us  in  that  way  in  which  we  shall  best  escape  the 
pollutions  that  are  in  the  world,  and  attain  at  last  to 
the  unspeakable  joys  of  the  life  to  come  ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  Lord  Almighty,  the  only-begotten  Son  of  the 
Father ;  Loose  us  from  the  bonds  of  our  sins,  and 
fill  us  with  all  spiritual  gifts,  that  so,  thy  grace  pre- 
venting and  following  us,  we  may  be  thy  faithful 
servants  here,  and  be  numbered  with  thy  saints 
in  glory  hereafter ;  through  thy  mercy,  O  blessed 
Saviour.     Amen. 


TJie  TzvclftJi  Sunday  after  Trinity . 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  art  always 
more  ready  to  hear  than  we  to  pray,  and  art  wont  to 
give  more  than  either  we  desire  or  deserve;  Pour 
down  upon  us  the  abundance  of  thy  mercy  ;  forgiv- 
ing us  those  things  whereof  our  conscience  is  afraid, 
and  giving  us  those  good  things  which  we  are  not 
worthy  to  ask,  but  through  the  merits  and  mediation 
of  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son,  our  Lord.      Amen. 

Almighty  God,  to  whom  mercy  belongeth,  and 
whose  delight  it  is  at  all  times  to  spare  and  save  ; 
Accept,  we  beseech  thee,  our  humble  prayer,  and 
set  free  thv  servants  that  lie  under  the  bondage  of 
sin,  according  to  thy  merciful  goodness ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

O  God,  the  high  and  holy  One,  who  inhabitest  eter- 
nity, and  dwellest  with  him  also  who  is  of  a  contrite 
and  humble  spirit,  to  revive  the  spirit  of  the  humble, 
and  to  revive  the  heart  of  the  contrite  ones  ;  Glorify 
thy  grace,  we  beseech  thee,  in  the  midst  of  our 
manifold  infirmities  and  sins,  and  through  all 
temptation  hold  us  up  by  thy  mighty  hand  ;  that  the 
trial  of  our  faith,  being  much  more  precious  than  of 
gold  that  perisheth,  though  it  be  tried  with  fire,  may 
be  found  unto  praise,  and  honor,  and  glory,  at  the 
appearing  of  Jesus  Christ ;  to  whom,  with  thee  and 
the  Holy  Ghost,  be  honor  and  glory,  world  without 
end.     Amen. 


The  TJiirtecntJi  Sunday  after  Trinity . 

Almighty  and  merciful  God,  of  whose  only  gift  it 
Cometh  that  thy  faithful  people  do  unto  thee  true 
and  laudable  service  ;  Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  that 
we  may  so  faithfully  serve  thee  in  this  life,  that 
we  fail  not  finally  to  attain  thy  heavenly  promises; 
through  the  merits  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Grant  us,  O  Lord,  not  to  mind  earthly  things,  but 
to  love  things  heavenly  ;  and  even  now.  while  we  are 
placed  among  things  that  are  passing  away,  to  cleave 
to  those  that  shall  abide;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen, 


COLLECTS   OK   THE   CHRISTIAN    YEAR.  195 

Give  us,  heavenly  Father,  the  spirit  of  faithful- 
ness in  the  discharge  of  all  the  duties  of  life,  that 
we  may  grow  in  spiritual  things  and  attain  holiness 
and  everlasting  bliss ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.      Amen. 

The  Fourteenth  Sunday  after  Trinity . 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  give  unto  us  the  in- 
crease of  faith,  hope  and  charity  ;  and,  that  we  may 
obtain  that  which  thou  dost  promise,  make  us  to  love 
that  which  thou  dost  command;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  heavenly  Father,  who  hast  taught  us  how  great 
things  were  wrought,  through  faith,  in  times  of  old  ; 
Give,  we  beseech  thee,  to  thy  servants  a  strong  and 
living  faith  ;  that,  looking  not  at  the  things  which 
are  seen,  but  at  the  things  which  are  not  seen,  we 
may  win  a  like  victory  over  the  world,  and  finally 
behold  with  our  eyes  the  things  in  which  we  have 
believed ;  through  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ.     Amen. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  around  whose  throne  is  a 
rainbow  like  unto  an  emerald  ;  Give  us,  we  beseech 
thee,  that  hope  which  maketh  not  ashamed.  Teach 
us  to  sow  in  hope,  labor  in  hope,  persevere  in  hope : 
that  at  the  last  we  may  joy  before  thee  according 
to  the  joy  in  harvest,  and  our  works  may  follow  us, 
and  heaven  be  attained  ;  where  we  shall  praise  thee, 
with  the  Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  world  without 
end.      Amen. 


TJie  Fifteoith  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Keep,  we  beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  thy  Church  with 
thy  perpetual  mercy ;  and,  because  the  frailty  of 
man  without  thee  cannot  but  fall,  keep  us  ever 
by  thy  help  from  all  things  hurtful,  and  lead  us 
to  all  things  profitable  to  our  salvation  ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  onr  Lord.      Amen. 

Remember,  O  Lord,  we  pray  thee,  that  we  are  but 
dust,  and  behold  the  contrition  of  our  hearts,  and 
grant  that  we,  who  through  the  weakness  of  the 
flesh  cannot  but  fall,  may  by  thy  mighty  power  be 
lifted  up  ;  through  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son,  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

Let  thy  perpetual  merc)',  O  Lord,  accompany  thy 
Church  ;  that  while  it  is  placed  among  the  storms  of 
the  world,  it  may  both  be  refreshed  with  present 
gladness,  and  behold  the  brightness  of  eternal  bliss; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

The  Sixteenth  Sunday  after  Trijiity. 

O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  let  thy  contiriual  pity 
cleanse  and  defend  thy  Church  ;  and,  because  it 
cannot  continue  in  safety  without  thy  succor,  pre- 
serve it  evermore  by  thy  help  and  goodness  ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


196  COLLECTS   OF   THE    CHRISTIAN    YEAR. 

Be  present,  O  Lord,  with  the  prayers  of  thy 
servants,  we  beseech  thee,  and  let  thy  people  created 
by  thy  power,  and  renewed  by  thy  life,  be  ever  saved 
by  thy  continual  help ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

Almighty  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  who  hast 
promised  to  be  with  thy  Church  unto  the  end  of  the 
world,  and  that  the  gates  of  hell  shall  not  prevail 
against  it ;  Graciously  make  thy  strength  perfect  in 
our  weakness,  and,  according  to  thy  promise,  be 
present  with  us  thine  unworthy  servants,  and  grant 
us  thy  merciful  help ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 


TJie  Seveitteejith  Siuiday  after  Trinity. 

Lord,  we  pray  thee  that  thy  grace  may  always 
prevent  and  follow  us,  and  make  us  continually  to  be 
given  to  all  good  works ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

Almighty  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  who  hast 
given  us  all  things  that  pertain  unto  life  and  godli- 
ness through  the  glorious  revelation  of  the  gospel ; 
Cause  thy  word  to  dwell  in  us  richly,  we  beseech 
thee,  and  fill  us  with  the  knowledge  of  thy  will  in  all 
wisdom  and  spiritual  understanding,  that  we  may 
walk  worthy  of  the  Lord  unto  all  pleasing,  being 
fruitful  in  every  good  work,  and  increasing  in  the 
knowledge  of  God ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

O  Almighty  God,  we  beseech  thee,  that  as  thou 
hast  given  unto  us  grace  to  receive  thy  Son,  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  to  believe  on  his  Name,  so 
thou  wilt  grant  us  ever  to  abide  stedfast  in  thy  faith 
and  in  all  good  works,  that  when  he  shall  come 
again  to  judge  the  world,  we  may  stand  before  him 
with  meekness  of  joy  and  confidence;  through  the 
merits  of  the  same  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

The  Eighteenth  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  grant  thy  people  grace  to 
withstand  the  temptations  of  the  world,  the  flesh, 
and  the  devil  ;  and  with  pure  hearts  and  minds  to 
follow  thee,  the  only  God  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

O  God,  who  wiliest  not  the  death  of  a  sinner,  pro- 
tect with  thy  heavenly  aid  those  persons  who  are  ex- 
posed to  special  temptations  ;  and  grant  that  in  the 
fulfilment  of  thy  commandments  they  may  be 
strengthened  by  the  assistance  of  thy  grace  ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

O  God,  who  canst  save  by  obedience  of  the  spirit, 
men  lost  by  the  weakness  of  the  flesh  ;  Grant  us 
so  to  have  our  inward  sight  quickened,  and  our 
better  mind  strengthened,  that  we  may  avoid  that 
which  destroys  us,  and  lay  hold  on  that  which  works 
perpetual  peace;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


COLLECTS   OF   THE   CHRISTIAN    YEAR.  197 

TJie  NineteentJi  Sunday  after  Truiity . 

O  God,  forasmuch  as  without  thee  we  are  not  able 
to  please  thee  ;  Mercifully  grant  that  thy  Holy  Spirit 
may  in  all  things  direct  and  rule  our  hearts  ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Almighty  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  whose  mercies 
are  new  unto  us  every  morning,  and  who,  though 
we  have  in  no  wise  deserved  thy  goodness,  dost 
abundantly  provide  for  all  our  wants  of  body  and 
soul ;  Give  us,  we  pray  thee,  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that 
we  may  heartily  acknowledge  thy  merciful  goodness 
toward  us,  give  thanks  for  all  thy  benefits,  and  serve 
thee  in  willing  obedience ;  through  Jesus  Christ  thy 
Son,  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  Holy  Ghost,  the  Comforter,  Giver  of  life,  Spirit 
of  truth  and  holiness;  Come,  and  dwell  in  the  hearts 
of  thy  servants,  quickening  them  into  newness  of 
life,  guiding  them  into  all  truth,  and  sanctifying 
them  wholly  by  thy  power ;  that,  being  cleansed 
from  every  stain  of  sin,  and  delivered  from  all  false 
doctrine  and  error,  they  may  be  living  temples  of 
thy  holy  presence  ;  who,  with  the  Father  and  the 
Son,  livest  and  reignest  one  God  for  evermore. 
Amen. 


The  Twentieth  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

O  Almighty  and  most  merciful  God,  of  thy  bounti- 
ful goodness  keep  us,  we  beseech  thee,  from  all 
things  that  may  hurt  us  ;  that  we,  being  ready  both 
in  body  and  soul,  may  cheerfully  accomplish  those 
things  which  thou  commandest ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  most  loving  Father,  who  wiliest  us  to  gi\e 
thanks  for  all  things,  to  dread  nothing  but  the  loss  of 
thee,  and  to  cast  all  our  care  on  thee  who  carest  for 
us ;  Preserve  us  from  faithless  fears  and  worldly 
anxieties,  and  grant  that  no  clouds  of  this  mortal 
life  may  hide  from  us  the  light  of  that  love  which  is 
immortal,  and  which  thou  hast  manifested  unto  us 
in  thy  Son,  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  God  our  Father,  merciful  and  kind,  long-suffer- 
ing and  of  great  goodness,  whom  the  Angels  and 
Archangels  and  all  the  host  of  heaven  worship  and 
adore;  Look  down  upon  us  with  compassion,  and 
sanctify  us  throughout,  that  we  may  be  to  thee,  as 
new-born  sons,  spiritual,  pure  and  holy.  Direct  our 
steps  in  thy  holy  ways;  preserve  us  from  all  temp- 
tations of  body  and  soul ;  and  cast  down  Satan 
under  our  feet.  Pardon  all  our  sins,  backslidings 
and  forgetfulness  of  thee;  and  grant  us  the  rich 
mercy  which  is  of  thee  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord, 
with  whom  and  thy  Holy  Spirit,  thou  art  blessed 
and  praised  by  all  thy  creatures  now  and  for  ever. 
Amen. 


198  COLLECTS   OF   THE    CHRISTIAN    YEAR. 

The  Twenty-first  Sunday  after  Trinity . 

Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  merciful  Lord,  to  thy 
faithful  people  pardon  and  peace,  that  they  may  be 
cleansed  from  all  their  sins,  and  serve  thee  with  a 
quiet  mind;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  given  thine  only  Son 
to  be  a  sacrifice  and  propitiation  for  the  sins  of  the 
whole  world  ;  Grant  unto  us  remission  and  forgive- 
ness of  all  our  sins,  and  continued  growth  in  the 
blessedness  of  the  spiritual  life;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord,  to  whom,  with  thee  and  the  Holy 
Spirit,  be  all  dominion  and  glory,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

Cleanse  us,  O  Lord,  from  our  secret  faults,  and 
mercifully  absolve  us  from  our  presumptuous  sins, 
that  we  may  receive  thy  holy  things  with  a  pure 
mind  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


The   Twenty-second  Sunday  after  Trinity . 

Lord,  we  beseech  thee  to  keep  thy  household  the 
Church  in  continual  godliness  ;  that  through  thy 
protection  it  may  be  free  from  all  adversities,  and 
devoutly  given  to  serve  thee  in  good  works,  to  the 
glory  of  thy  Name  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

We  beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  to  guide  thy  Church 
with  thy  perpetual  governance  ;  that  it  may  walk 
watchfully  in  times  of  quiet,  and  boldly  in  times  of 
trouble;   through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Mercifully  regard,  O  God,  the  prayers  of  thy 
family,  and  while  they  submit  themselves  to  thee 
with  their  whole  heart,  do  thou  prosper  them  with 
support,  and  encompass  them  with  blessings,  that, 
relying  on  thee  as  their  guide,  they  may  be  entangled 
in  no  evils,  but  be  filled  with  all  good  ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


TJie  Twenty-tJiird  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

O  God,  our  refuge  and  strength,  who  art  the 
author  of  all  godliness;  Be  ready,  we  beseech  thee, 
to  hear  the  devout  praters  of  thy  Church  ;  and  grant 
that  those  things  which  we  ask  faithfully  we  may 
obtain  effectually  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

We  beseech  thee,  Almighty  God,  to  look  upon  thy 
servants,  whom  thou  hast  enabled  to  put  their  trust 
in  thee ;  and  grant  them  both  to  ask  such  things 
as  shall  please  thee,  and  also  to  obtain  what  they 
ask  ;  through  the  merits  of  thy  Son,  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.      Amen. 


COLLECTS  OF   THE    CHRISTIAN    YEAK.  199 

O  eternal  God,  who  art  great  and  wonderful  in 
glory, the  life  of  all,  the  help  of  those  that  flee  unto 
thee,  and  the  hope  of  those  who  cry  unto  thee ; 
Cleanse  us  from  sin,  secret  and  open,  and  from 
every  thought  displeasing  to  thy  goodness  ;  cleanse 
our  bodies  and  souls,  our  hearts  and  consciences, 
that  with  a  pure  heart  and  a  clean  soul,  with  perfect 
love  and  calm  hope,  we  may  venture  fearlessly  to 
pray  unto  thee;  through  him  who  hath  taught  us 
how  to  pray,  thy  blessed  Son,  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


TJie  Twenty- fourth  Sunday  after  Trinity . 

O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  absolve  thy  people  from 
their  offences ;  that  through  thy  bountiful  goodness 
we  may  all  be  delivered  from  the  bands  of  those  sins, 
which  by  our  frailty  we  have  committed.  Grant 
this,  O  heavenly  Father,  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake,  our 
blessed  Lord  and  Saviour.     Amen. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  Be  merciful  unto  us  for  thy 
Name's  sake  ;  wherein  we  have  wandered  from  thee, 
bring  us  back  ;  wash  away  the  sins  that  we  have 
committed  ;  and  set  us,  whom  thou  hast  redeemed, 
at  thy  right  hand,  when  thou  comest  to  be  our 
Judge ;  through  thy  mercy,  O  our  God,  who  art 
blessed,  and  dost  live,  and  govern  all  things,  world 
without  end.      Amen. 

O  God,  who  hast  given  us  the  promise  of  thy 
heavenly  rest,  may  we  labor  earnestly  to  enter  into 
it.  Quicken,  we  pray  thee,  our  faith  and  hope. 
Teach  us  to  mortify  whatever  in  us  is  earthly,  carnal 
and  corrupt.  Putting  off  the  works  of  darkness, 
may  we  be  clothed  with  truth,  righteousness  and 
purity,  and  walk  as  Christ  walked,  that  we  may  have 
confidence  and  not  be  ashamed  before  him  at  his 
appearing.  We  ask  it  through  the  same  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 


TJie  Sunday  next  before  Advent. 

Stir  up,  we  beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  the  wills  of  thy 
faithful  people ;  that  they,  plenteously  bringing 
forth  the  fruit  of  good  works,  may  by  thee  be 
plenteously  rewarded ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

O  God,  so  rule  and  govern  our  hearts  and  minds 
by  thy  Holy  Spirit  that  being  ever  mindful  of  the 
end  of  all  things,  and  the  day  of  thy  just  judgment, 
we  may  be  stirred  up  to  holiness  of  living  here,  and 
dwell  with  thee  forever  hereafter  ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  thy  Son  our  Lord,  who  liveth  and  reigneth 
with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost  ever,  one  God,  world 
without  end.     Amen. 

Almighty  God,  we  beseech  thee,  show  thy  mercy 
unto  thy  humble  servants,  that  we  who  put  no  trust 
in  our  own  merits  may  not  be  dealt  with  after  the 
severity    of    thy   judgment,    but    according    to    thy 


200         COLLECTS  OF   THE   CHRISTIAN   YEAR. 


mercy ;  through  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son  our  Lord, 
who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  thee  and  the  Holy 
Ghost  ever,  one  God,  world  without  end,     Amen. 


Saint  Andrew' s  Day. 

Almighty  God,  who  didst  give  such  grace  unto  thy 
holy  Apostle  Saint  Andrew,  that  he  readily  obeyed 
the  calling  of  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  and  followed 
him  without  delay  ;  Grant  unto  us  all,  that  we,  being 
called  by  thy  holy  Word,  may  forthwith  give  up  our- 
selves obediently  to  fulfil  thy  holy  commandments  ; 
through  the  same  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Grant,  heavenly  Father,  that  in  our  services 
rendered  to  thee  we  may  act  with  promptitude  both 
in  accepting  salvation  for  ourselves  and  in  leading 
others  to  a  knowledge  of  thyself ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


Saint  Thomas  the  Apostle. 

Almighty  and  everliving  God,  who,  for  the  greater 
confirmation  of  the  faith,  didst  suffer  thy  holy 
Apostle  Thomas  to  be  doubtful  in  thy  Son's  resur- 
rection ;  Grant  us  so  perfectly,  and  without  all 
doubt,  to  believe  in  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  that  our 
faith  in  thy  sight  may  never  be  reproved.  Hear  us, 
O  Lord,  through  the  same  Jesus  Christ,  to  whom, 
with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all  honor  and 
glory,  now  and  forevermore      Amen. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  very  God  and  very  Man, 
who  changest  not,  but  art  holy  in  all  thy  works ; 
Take  away  from  us,  we  humbly  beseech  thee,  all 
unbelief,  and  fill  us  with  the  gifts  of  thy  grace ; 
through  thy  mercy,  O  our  God,  who  art  blessed, 
and  dost  live,  and  govern  all  things,  world  without 
end.     Amen. 


The  Conversion  of  Saint  Paul . 

O  God,  who,  through  the  preaching  of  the  blessed 
Apostle  Saint  Paul,  hast  caused  the  light  of  the 
Gospel  to  shine  throughout  the  world  ;  Grant,  we 
beseech  thee,  that  we,  having  his  wonderful  con- 
version in  remembrance,  may  show  forth  our  thank- 
fulness unto  thee  for  the  same,  by  following  the  holy 
doctrine  which  he  taught ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.      Amen. 

O  Christ,  the  Son  of  God,  who  didst  graciously 
choose  Saint  Paul  to  be  thine  Apostle,  and  didst 
enable  him  so  to  sow  the  good  seed  of  thy  Word 
throughout  the  world,  that  from  it  there  has  sprung 
up  an  abundant  harvest  unto  thee  ;  Grant  that  his 
teachings  may  sink  deep  into  our  hearts,  and  bring 
forth  fruit  to  thy  glory,  who,  with  the  Father  and 
the  Holy  Ghost,  livest  and  reignest  ever,  one  God, 
world  without  end.     Amen. 


COLLECTS   OF   THE    CHRISTIAN    YEAR.  201 

The  Presentation  of  Christ  in  the  Temple, 

contntonly  callt-J 

The  Purification  of  Saint  Jlfarj'  the  Virj^in. 

Almighty  and  everliving  God,  we  humbly  beseech 
thy  Majesty,  that,  as  thine  only-begotten  Son  was 
this  day  presented  in  the  temple  in  substance  of  our 
flesh,  so  we  may  be  presented  unto  thee  with  pure 
and  clean  hearts,  by  the  same  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

Cleanse  thou  us,  O  good  Lord,  and  so  shall  we  be 
cleansed,  and  grant  that  as  thy  blessed  Son  was 
presented  in  the  temple  in  the  substance  of  our  flesh, 
so  with  pure  and  clean  hearts  we  may  ever  present 
ourselves  before  thee  to  offer  up  spiritual  sacrifices 
to  the  honor  of  thy  great  Name ;  through  the  same 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Saint  Matthias's  Day. 

O  Almighty  God,  who  into  the  place  of  the  traitor 
Judas  didst  choose  thy  faithful  servant  Matthias 
to  be  of  the  number  of  the  twelve  Apostles  ;  Grant 
that  thy  Church,  being  always  preserved  from  false 
Apostles,  may  be  ordered  and  guided  by  faithful 
and  true  pastors;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

O  God,  the  Light  of  the  faithful  and  Shepherd  of 
souls,  who  didst  place  thine  holy  Apostles  in  the 
Church  that  they  might  feed  thy  sheep  by  their 
words,  and  guide  them  by  their  examples;  Grant  us, 
we  pray  thee,  to  keep  the  faith  which  they  taught, 
and  to  follow  in  their  footsteps ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

The  Annunciation  of  the  blessed  Virgin 
Mary . 

We  beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  pour  thy  grace  into  our 
hearts ;  that,  as  we  have  known  the  incarnation  of 
thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  by  the  message  of  an  Angel, 
so  by  his  cross  and  passion  we  may  be  brought  unto 
the  glory  of  his  resurrection ;  through  the  same 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

O  God,  who,  regarding  the  humility  of  the  blessed 
Virgin  Mary,  didst  exalt  her  to  such  excellent  grace 
that  of  her,  according  to  the  flesh,  thine  only-begotten 
Son  should  be  born  ;  Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  that 
we,  humbling  ourselves  in  all  things  after  her  ex- 
ample, may  attain  to  be  exalted  ;  through  the  same 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Saint  Mark' s  Day . 

O  Almighty  God,  who  hast  instructed  thy  holy 
Church  with  the  heavenly  doctrine  of  thy  Evangelist 
Saint  Mark ;  Give  us  grace  that,  being  not  like 
children    carried    away    with    every    blast    of    vain 


202  COLLECTS   OF    THE   CHRISTIAN    YEAR. 

doctrine,  we  may  be  established  in  the  truth  of  thy 
holy  Gospel;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

O  God,  who  didst  bestow  on  blessed  Saint  Mark, 
the  clear  light  of  faith,  and  the  might  of  holiness; 
Grant  us  the  same  firmness  of  faith  in  the  truths  he 
taught,  and  a  fellowship  with  him  in  thine  eternal 
glory  ;   through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

Saint  Philip  ami  Saint  James  s  Day. 

O  Almighty  Cjod,  whom  truly  to  know  is  everlast- 
ing life;  Grant  us  perfectly  to  know  thy  Son  Jesus 
Christ  to  be  the  way,  the  truth  and  the  life;  that, 
following  the  steps  of  thy  holy  Apostles,  Saint 
Philip  and  Saint  James,  we  may  stedfastly  walk  in 
the  way  that  leadeth  to  eternal  life;  through  the 
same  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

We  beseech  thee,  O  God,  to  grant  us  after  the 
examples  of  Saint  Philip  and  Saint  James  constancy 
in  thy  faith  and  truth ;  that,  being  grounded  in 
divine  love,  we  maybe  moved  from  its  perfection  by 
no  temptations ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

Saint  Barnabas  the  Apostle. 

O  Lord  God  Almighty,  who  didst  endue  thy  holy 
Apostle  Barnabas  with  singular  gifts  of  the  Holy 
Ghost  ;  Leave  us  not,  we  beseech  thee,  destitute  of 
thy  manifold  gifts,  nor  yet  of  grace  to  use  them 
alway  to  thy  honor  and  glory  ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.      Amen. 

O  Father  of  mercies  and  God  of  all  consolation  ; 
Fill  us,  we  pray  thee,  with  thy  Holy  Spirit,  so  that, 
after  the  example  of  thy  blessed  Apostle  Saint 
Barnabas,  the  son  of  consolation,  we,  loving  thee 
above  all  things,  may  delight  in  doing  good  to  our 
fellow-men  ;   through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

Saint  John  Baptist' s  Day. 

Almighty  God,  by  whose  providence  thy  servant 
John  Baptist  was  wonderfully  born,  and  sent  to  pre- 
pare the  way  of  thy  Son  our  Saviour  by  preaching 
repentance ;  Make  us  so  to  follow  his  doctrine  and 
holy  life,  that  we  may  truly  repent  according  to  his 
preaching;  and  after  his  example  constantly  speak 
the  truth,  boldly  rebuke  vice,  and  patiently  suffer 
for  the  truth's  sake ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  didst  make  thy  fore- 
runner, Saint  John  Baptist,  to  be  as  a  bright  light  in 
thy  temple;  Grant  that  we  may  ever  shine  in  thy 
Church,  with  the  ardor  of  faith,  in  works  of  charity, 
and  in  true  humility;  through  thy  mercy,  O  Christ 
our  God,  who,  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
livest  and  reignest  ever,  one  God,  world  without 
end.     Amen. 


COLLECTS   OF   THE    CHRISTLW    YEAR.  203 

Saint  Peter  s  Day. 

O  Almighty  God,  who  by  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ 
didst  give  to  thy  Apostle  Saint  Peter  many  excellent 
gifts,  and  commandedst  him  earnestly  to  feed  thy 
flock ;  Make,  we  beseech  thee,  all  Bishops  and 
Pastors  diligently  to  preach  thy  holy  Word,  and  the 
people  obediently  to  follow  the  same,  that  they  may 
receive  the  crown  of  everlasting  glory ;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  God,  who  didst  cause  blessed  Saint  Peter  the 
Apostle  to  be  loosed  from  his  chains  and  to  depart 
unhurt;  Break,  we  beseech  thee,  the  bands  of  our 
sins,  and  mercifully  put  away  all  evil  things  from 
us;   through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


Saint  James  the  Apostle. 

Grant,  O  merciful  God,  that,  as  thine  holy  Apostle 
Saint  James,  leaving  his  father  and  all  that  he  had, 
without  delay,  was  obedient  unto  the  calling  of  thy 
Son  Jesus  Christ,  and  followed  him  ;  so  we,  for- 
saking all  worldly  and  carnal  affections,  may  be 
evermore  ready  to  follow  thy  holy  commandments ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Grant,  O  Lord,  that  as  thy  holy  Apostle  Saint 
James,  so  soon  as  he  was  called,  left  the  ship  and  his 
father,  and  followed  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  with  all  his 
heart,  so  we  may  ever  with  a  glad  will  obey  thy 
commandments;  through  the  same  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

The  Transfiguration  of  Christ. 

O  God,  who  on  the  mount  didst  reveal  to  chosen 
witnesses  thine  only-begotten  Son  wonderfully  trans- 
figured, in  raiment  white  and  glistering  ;  Mercifully 
grant  that  we,  being  delivered  from  the  disquietude 
of  this  world,  may  be  permitted  to  behold  the  King 
in  his  beauty,  who  with  thee,  O  Father,  and  thee,  O 
Holy  Ghost,  liveth  and  reigneth,  one  God,  world 
without  end.     Amen. 

O  God,  who  at  the  transfiguration  of  thine  only- 
begotten  Son  didst  confirm  the  mysteries  of  the  faith 
by  the  testimony  of  the  fathers,  and  didst  wonder- 
fully prefigure,  by  the  voice  from  the  bright  cloud, 
the  perfect  adoption  of  sons;  Grant,  we  beseech 
thee,  that  we  may  be  co-heirs  of  the  King  of  glory, 
and  finally  partakers  of  his  glory  ;  through  the  same 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Saint  Bartholomew  the  Apostle. 

O  Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  didst  give  to 
thine  Apostle  Bartholomew,  grace  truly  to  believe 
and  to  preach  thy  Word;  Grant,  we  beseech  thee, 
unto  thy  Church,  to  love  that  Word  which  he 
believed,  and  both  to  preach  and  receive  the  same  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


204         COLLECTS  OF  THE   CHRISTIAN   YEAR. 

O  Christ,  the  power  of  God,  and  the  wisdom  of 
God,  who  didst  give  to  thy  holy  Apostle  Saint 
Bartholomew  power  to  tread  on  serpents  and 
scorpions ;  Strengthen  us,  we  pray  thee,  by  thy 
grace,  that  in  thy  might  we  may  vanquish  and  over- 
come all  our  spiritual  enemies,  and  with  pure  hearts 
serve  thee,  whom,  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy 
Ghost,  we  worship  and  glorify  ever,  one  God,  world 
without  end.     Amen. 


Saint  Matthew  the  Apostle. 

O  Almighty  God,  who  by  thy  blessed  Son  didst 
call  Matthew  from  the  receipt  of  custom  to  be  an 
Apostle  and  Evangelist ;  Grant  us  grace  to  forsake 
all  covetous  desires,  and  inordinate  love  of  riches, 
and  to  follow  the  same  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  who 
liveth  and  reigneth  with  thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost, 
one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  of  thy  great  goodness, 
didst  call  Matthew  the  publican  to  be  thine  Apostle 
and  Evangelist ;  Grant  us,  like  him,  to  withstand 
temptation,  and,  turning  from  all  the  allurements  of 
the  world,  to  follow  thee  without  delay  ;  through  thy 
mercy,  O  our  God,  who  art  blessed,  and  dost  live, 
and  govern  all  things,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


Saint  MicJiael  and  all  Angels. 

O  everlasting  God,  who  hast  ordained  and  consti- 
tuted the  services  of  Angels  and  men  in  a  wonderful 
order;  Mercifully  grant  that,  as  thy  holy  Angels 
always  do  thee  service  in  heaven,  so,  by  thy  appoint- 
ment, they  may  succor  and  defend  us  on  earth  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  Lord,  the  King  eternal ;  Send,  we  pray  thee, 
thy  holy  Angels  to  defend  us  both  in  soul  and  body  ; 
and  grant  that  as  thou  hast  called  us  to  share  their 
blessedness  in  the  world  to  come,  so  we  may  ever 
follow  the  example  of  their  obedience,  and  delight  to 
do  thy  pleasure;  through  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son,  our 
Lord.     Amen. 


Saint  Lnkc  the  Evangelist. 

Almighty  God,  who  calledst  Luke  the  Physician, 
whose  praise  is  in  the  Gospel,  to  be  an  Evangelist, 
and  Physician  of  the  soul  ;  May  it  please  thee  that, 
by  the  wholesome  medicines  of  the  doctrine  delivered 
by  him,  all  the  diseases  of  our  souls  may  be  healed; 
through  the  merits  of  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

Look  mercifully,  O  God,  on  the  prayers  of  thy 
supplicants  and  enlighten  with  thy  health  our  bodies 
and  souls,  that  no  dark  desires  may  have  possession 
of  those  whom  the  light  of  heavenly  grace  daily 
renews.  We  ask  it  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


COLLECTS  OF   THE    CHRISTIAN   YEAR.  205 

Saint  Simon  and  Saint  Jude,  Apostles. 

O  Almight)'  God,  who  hast  built  thy  Church  upon 
the  foundation  of  the  Apostles  and  Prophets,  Jesus 
Christ  himself  being  the  head  corner-stone  ;  Grant 
us  so  to  be  joined  together  in  unity  of  spirit  by  their 
doctrine,  that  we  may  be  made  an  holy  temple 
acceptable  unto  thee;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 

O  Saviour,  who  didst  send  out  thine  Apostles  to 
preach  throughout  the  world,  the  gospel  of  thine 
everlasting  kingdom  ;  Grant  that  we  who  confess 
and  adore  in  thy  divine  Person  all  the  fulness  of  the 
Godhead,  may  so  obey  thee  in  a  life  of  holiness  and 
true  charity  that  at  the  last  we  may  come  to  thine 
eternal  joys  ;  through  thy  mercy,  O  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord,  who  livest  and  reignest  with  the  Father  and 
Holy  Ghost  ever,  one  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 


All  Saints'  Day. 

O  Almighty  God,  who  hast  knit  together  thine 
elect  in  one  communion  and  fellowship,  in  the  mys- 
tical body  of  thy  Son  Christ  our  Lord  ;  Grant  us 
grace  so  to  follow  thy  blessed  Saints  in  all  virtuous 
and  godly  living,  that  we  may  come  to  those  un- 
speakable joys  which  thou  hast  prepared  for  those 
who  unfeignedly  love  thee ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen, 

O  God,  of  whose  gift  thy  blessed  Saints,  who  are 
now  at  rest,  overcame  the  world  ;  Grant  us  now  to 
follow  in  their  footsteps,  and  after  this  life  to  be 
partakers  with  them  of  heavenly  joys  ;  through  Jesus 
Christ,  thy  Son,  our  Lord.     Amen. 


206  OTHER   COLLECTS. 


Other  Collects  from  the  Book 
of  Common  Prayer. 

O  God,  from  whom  all  holy  desires,  all  good 
counsels,  and  all  just  works  do  proceed;  Give  unto 
thy  servants  that  peace,  which  the  world  cannot 
give  ;  that  our  hearts  may  be  set  to  obey  thy  com- 
mandments, and  also  that  by  thee,  we,  being  de- 
fended from  the  fear  of  our  enemies,  may  pass  our 
time  in  rest  and  quietness ;  through  the  merits  of 
Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour.      Amen. 

Almighty  God,  unto  whom  all  hearts  are  open,  all 
desires  known,  and  from  whom  no  secrets  are  hid  ; 
Cleanse  the  thoughts  of  our  hearts  by  the  inspiration 
of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  we  may  perfectly  love  thee, 
and  worthily  magnify  thy  holy  Name;  through 
Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

O  Almighty  Lord,  and  everlasting  God,  vouchsafe, 
we  beseech  thee,  to  direct,  sanctify  and  govern,  both 
our  hearts  and  bodies,  in  the  ways  of  thy  laws,  and 
in  the  works  of  thy  commandments;  that,  through 
thy  most  mighty  protection,  both  here  and  ever,  we 
may  be  preserved  in  body  and  soul ;  through  our 
Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

Assist  us  mercifully,  O  Lord,  in  these  our  suppli- 
cations and  prayers,  and  dispose  the  way  of  thy 
servants  toward  the  attainment  of  everlasting  sal- 
vation ;  that,  among  all  the  changes  and  chances  of 
this  mortal  life,  they  may  ever  be  defended  by  thy 
most  gracious  and  ready  help;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

Grant,  we  beseech  thee.  Almighty  God,  that  the 
words  which  we  have  heard  this  da}'  with  our  out- 
ward ears,  may,  through  thy  grace,  be  so  grafted  in- 
wardly in  our  hearts,  that  they  may  bring  forth  in  us 
the  fruit  of  good  living,  to  the  honor  and  praise  of 
thy  Name;    through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Direct  us,  O  Lord,  in  all  our  doings,  with  thy  most 
gracious  favor,  and  further  us  with  thy  continual 
help;  that  in  all  our  works  begun,  continued  and 
ended  in  thee,  we  may  glorify  thy  holy  Name,  and 
finally,  by  thy  mercy,  obtain  everlasting  life ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

Almighty  God,  the  fountain  of  all  wisdom,  who 
knowest  our  necessities  before  we  ask,  and  our 
ignorance  in  asking;  we  beseech  thee  to  have  com- 
passion upon  our  infirmities;  and  those  things, 
which  for  our  unworthiness  we  dare  not,  and  for 
our  blindness  we  cannot  ask,  vouchsafe  to  give  us, 
for  the  worthiness  of  thy  Son  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


OTHER   COLLECTS.  207 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  promised  to  hear  the 
petitions  of  those  who  ask  in  thy  Son's  Name;  We 
beseech  thee  mercifully  to  incline  thine  ears  to  us 
who  have  now  made  our  prayers  and  supplications 
unto  thee ;  and  grant,  that  those  things  which  we 
have  faithfully  asked  according  to  thy  will,  may 
effectually  be  obtained,  to  the  relief  of  our  necessity, 
and  to  the  setting  forth  of  thy  glory  ;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

O  God,  who  art  the  author  of  peace  and  lover  of 
concord,  in  knowledge  of  whom  standeth  our  eternal 
life,  whose  service  is  perfect  freedom  ;  Defend  us  thy 
humble  servants  in  all  assaults  of  our  enemies;  that 
we,  surely  trusting  in  thy  defence,  may  not  fear  the 
power  of  any  adversaries,  through  the  might  of  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  given  us  grace  at  this 
time  with  one  accord  to  make  our  common  suppli- 
cations unto  thee  ;  and  dost  promise  that  when  two 
or  three  are  gathered  together  in  thy  Name  thou  wilt 
grant  their  requests ;  Fulfil  now,  O  Lord,  the  desires 
and  petitions  of  thy  servants,  as  may  be  most  ex- 
pedient for  them ;  granting  us  in  this  world 
knowledge  of  thy  truth,  and  in  the  world  to  come 
life  everlasting.      Amen. 

Most  gracious  God,  the  giver  of  all  good  and  per- 
fect gifts,  who  of  thy  wise  providence  hast  appointed 
divers  Orders  in  thy  Church  ;  Give  thy  grace,  we 
beseech  thee,  to  thy  servant,  to  whom  the  charge  of 
this  Congregation  is  now  committed;  and  so  re- 
plenish him  with  the  truth  of  thy  doctrine,  and 
endue  him  with  innocency  of  life,  that  he  may  faith- 
fully serve  before  thee,  to  the  glory  of  thy  great 
Name,  and  the  benefit  of  thy  holy  Church  ;  through 
Jesus  Christ,  our  only  Mediator  and  Redeemer. 
Amen. 

O  holy  Jesus,  who  hast  purchased  to  thyself  an 
universal  Church,  and  hast  promised  to  be  with  the 
Ministers  of  Apostolic  Succession  to  the  end  of  the 
world  ;  Be  graciously  pleased  to  bless  the  ministry 
and  service  of  him  who  is  now  appointed  to  offer  the 
sacrifices  of  prayer  and  praise  to  thee  in  this  house, 
which  is  called  by  thy  Name.  May  the  words  of  his 
mouth,  and  the  meditation  of  his  heart,  be  alway 
acceptable  in  thy  sight,  O  Lord,  our  strength  and 
our  Redeemer.     Amen. 

O  God,  Holy  Ghost,  Sanctifier  of  the  faithful, 
visit,  we  pray  thee,  this  Congregation  with  thy  love 
and  favor;  enlighten  their  minds  more  and  more 
with  the  light  of  the  everlasting  Gospel;  graft  in 
their  hearts  a  love  of  the  truth  ;  increase  in  them 
true  religion;  nourish  them  with  all  goodness;  and 
of  thy  great  mercy  keep  them  in  the  same,  O  blessed 
Spirit,  whom,  with  the  Father  and  the  Son  together, 
we  worship  and  glorify  as  one  God,  world  without 
end.     Amen. 


208  LENTEN   PRAYERS. 


Centen  Prayers. 

O  God  the  Father,  who  knovvest  our  necessities, 
hear  us,  thy  servants. 

O  God  the  Son,  who  was  tempted  like  as  we  are, 
hear  us,  thy  servants. 

O  God  the  Holy  Ghost,  who  knowest  how  to 
deliver  the  ungodly  out  of  temptation,  hear  us,  thy 
servants. 

O  Lord  God,  we  pray  thee  during  these  forty  days 
to  make  us  know  ourselves  as  thou  knowest  us  and 
to  see  our  sins  as  thou  seest  them. 

Help  us  to  set  our  minds  more  on  thee  and  less  on 
the  world. 

Help  us  to  resist  the  devil,  as  good  soldiers  of 
Jesus   Christ. 

Help  us  to  keep  our  bodies  chaste,  our  words  holy, 
our  thoughts  pure,  as  being  temples  of  thy  Holy 
Spirit. 

Lead  us  to  give  up  something  for  thee  to-day. 

Lead  us  to  help  some  person  in  body  or  soul 
to-day. 

Lead  us  to  pray  for  thy  holy  Church  to-day. 

Make  us  to-day  and  every  day  to  obey  thee  as 
the  children  of  God. 

Make  us  to-day  and  every  day  to  love  thee  as 
members   of  Christ. 

Make  us  to-day  and  every  day  to  serve  thee,  as 
inheritors  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

Grant  us  so  to  take  up  our  cross  daily  here,  that 
we  may  receive  the  crown  of  glory  hereafter,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

Almighty  God,  whose  blessed  Son,  for  our  sakes 
did  fast  forty  days  and  forty  nights ;  Give  us  grace 
to  use  such  abstinence,  during  this  season  dedicated 
to  the  exercise  of  repentance,  that  our  tiesh  may  be 
subdued  to  the  spirit,  and  our  minds  the  better  dis- 
posed to  approach  thee  with  ardor  and  fervency 
of  affection.  Inure  us,  by  self-denial  to  bring  our 
bodies  into  subjection,  and  to  punish  all  those  ex- 
cesses we  have  been  guilty  of  in  the  use  of  thy 
creatures.  Let  our  retirement  from  the  world  make 
us  see  the  vanity  and  emptiness  of  it,  and  teach  us  to 
relish  the  pleasures  of  spiritual  enjoyments.  Make 
us  heartily  to  bewail  our  sins  and  do  thou  work  in  us 
a  godly  sorrow  unto  salvation  not  to  be  repented  of, 
that,  perceiving  how  bitter  a  thing  it  is  to  depart 
from  the  living  God,  we  may  no  longer  continue  at  a 
distance  from  the  Fountain  of  joy  and  happiness, 
but,  confessing  and  forsaking  our  sins,  may  be 
entirely  converted  unto  thee  ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen, 


LENTEN    PRAYERS.  209 

O  Lord,  who  through  ages  past  has  trained  thy 
Church,  as  at  this  season,  in  finding  out  and  striving 
against  the  secret  or  the  open  sins  which  may  be 
displeasing  in  thy  sight ;  By  the  help  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  lay  open  to  us  our  hearts  and  lives,  that  we 
may  in  humble  penitence  lay  them  at  the  foot  of 
the  cross  of  Christ  for  cleansing  through  his  most 
precious  blood  ;  through  the  same  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord,      Amen. 

O  most  merciful  Saviour,  who  healest  the  inward 
man  by  outward  afflictions,  and  by  troubles  in  this 
world  dost  prepare  us  for  eternal  joys  in  the  world 
to  come  ;  By  that  cup  of  sorrow  which  thou  drankest 
for  us,  and  by  that  weary  path  which  thou  troddest, 
grant  that  we  may  willingly  drink  of  thy  cup,  and 
cheerfully  follow  thee  along  the  road  where  thou 
hast  gone  before  ;  who  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy 
Ghost  now  reignest  one  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

O  Christ,  the  Son  of  God,  who,  for  our  sakes, 
didst  fast  forty  days,  and  didst  suffer  thyself  to  be 
tempted;  Grant  that  we  may  not  be  led  astray- 
through  any  temptations  ;  and,  since  man  doth  not 
live  by  bread  alone,  nourish  our  souls  with  heavenly 
food ;  through  thy  mercy,  O  our  God,  who  art 
blessed,  and  dost  live,  and  govern  all  things,  world 
without  end.     Amen. 


210  VARIOUS    PRAYERS. 


Uarious  Prayers. 


For  those  who  have  forsaken  the  Catholic 
Faith. 

Almighty  and  merciful  Father,  we  beseech  thee 
for  all  who  have  forsaken  the  Catholic  faith,  all  who 
have  wandered  from  any  portion  thereof,  or  are  in 
doubt  or  temptation  through  the  enemies  of  thy 
Word,  that  thou  wouldest  visit  them  as  a  Father, 
reveal  unto  them  their  error  and  bring  them  back 
from  their  wanderings,  that  they  in  loyalty  to  thy 
Church  and  thy  holy  Word,  may  be  led  unto  ever- 
lasting life  ;  through  faith  in  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son, 
our  Lord.     Amen. 


For  those  we  have  led  into  Sin. 

O  merciful  God,  we  pray  thee  most  humbly  for  all 
who  have  sinned  against  thee  through  our  fault,  and 
all  to  whom  we  have  taught  evil  by  word  or  action. 
Forgive  their  sins,  and  the  evil  we  have  caused  by 
our  wickedness  do  thou  put  away  in  thy  mercy  ; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


For  Neglected  Persons. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  wast  forgotten  as  a  dead 
man  out  of  mind  ;  Shew  forth  thy  loving  kindness, 
we  entreat  thee,  to  all  persons  who  in  this  world  feel 
themselves  neglected,  or  little  loved,  or  forgotten. 
Be  thou  their  beloved  Companion,  and  let  commun- 
ion with  thee  be  to  them  more  dear  than  tenderest 
earthly  intercourse.  Teach  them  to  seek  thee  in 
prayer,  and  to  find  thee  in  thy  blessed  Sacrament ; 
teach  them  to  discern  thee  in  all  with  whom  they 
come  in  contact,  and  to  love  and  serve  thee  in  them. 
On  earth  grant  them  comfort  by  the  repentance  of 
any  who  have  wronged  them,  and  in  heaven  comfort 
in  the  communion  of  all  saints  with  each  other  and 
with  thee.  Grant  this,  O  our  God,  who  art  blessed, 
and  livest  and  reignest  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 


For  those  who  live  in  Sin . 

Have  mercy,  heavenly  Father,  on  all  who  are 
hardened  through  the  deceitfulness  of  sin  ;  Vouch- 
safe them  grace  to  come  to  themselves,  the  will  and 
the  power  to  return  to  thee,  and  the  loving  welcome 
of  thy  forgiveness  ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


VARIOUS    PRAYERS.  211 


For  the  Thoughtless. 

O  God  and  Father  of  all,  who  delightest  in  the 
happiness  of  thy  creatures  ;  Send  down  thy  Holy 
Spirit  upon  those  who  are  drawn  away  by  the 
pleasures  of  youth,  the  opportunities  of  wealth,  or 
the  excitement  of  sin,  to  forget  thee,  and  neglect 
their  regenerate  life.  Enlighten  them,  calm  them, 
control  them,  make  them  to  see  the  vanity  of  earthly 
pleasures  ;  and  so  subdue  their  natural  energies  by 
the  power  of  thy  supernatural  love  that  they  may 
spend  them  in  thy  service,  to  thy  honor  and  glory  ; 
through  Jesus  (Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

For  the  Censorious. 

Have  mercy,  O  God,  upon  those  who  are  accus- 
tomed to  speak  harshly  of  their  brethren,  and  grant 
that  in  all  our  judgments  of  others  we  may  remember 
thy  judgment,  whereby  we  shall  ourselves  be  judged, 
and  may  exercise  that  charity  whereby  we  hope  to 
be  forgiven  ;   for  Jesus  Christ's  sake.      Amen. 

For  the  Worldly. 

O  God,  whom  truly  to  know  is  everlasting  life; 
Pity  the  blindness  of  those  who  by  the  contemplation 
of  thy  creatures  are  drawn  away  from  the  faithful 
acknowledgment  of  thee  their  Creator.  Make  them 
to  see  the  transitory  character  of  all  outward  things 
and  the  beauty  of  thine  eternal  truth,  that  they  may 
know  thy  love  manifested  by  thine  incarnate  Son, 
and  when  the  present  age  of  their  probation  shall 
have  passed  away,  may  they  be  filled  with  thine  own 
fulness  ;  through  the  same  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

For  Persons  Unjustly  Accused. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  against  whom  false  witnesses 
rose  up  ;  By  thy  most  holy  example  of  perfect  patience 
and  humility  strengthen  and  support,  we  entreat 
thee,  all  persons  unjustly  accused  or  underrated. 
Comfort  them  by  the  ever-present  thought  that  thou 
knowest  the  whole  truth,  and  wilt  in  thine  own  good 
time  make  their  righteousness  as  clear  as  the  light. 
Give  them  grace  to  pray  for  such  as  do  them  wrong, 
and  hear  and  bless  them  when  they  pray.  Grant 
this  through  thy  mercy,  O  our  God,  who  art  blessed, 
and  livest  and  reignest  forever  and  ever.      Amen. 

Agaijist  angry  Passions. 

O  most  meek  and  lowly  Jesus,  who  didst  suffer  all 
insults  and  inj-uries  in  thy  adorable  person,  and  when 
struck  in  thy  face  by  the  soldier,  didst  but  reply, 
Why  smitest  thou  me  ?  mortify  in  us  all  angry 
passions,  that  we  may  not  return  injuries  with 
malice,  nor  ever  meditate  revenge,  but  bear  all 
things  patiently  for  thy  sake,  thou  meek  and  silent 
Lamb  of  God.  suffering  Saviour  of  our  souls  ;  who, 
with  the  Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  livest  and 
reignest,  one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


212  VAKIOIS    PRAYERS. 

Against  Heresy. 

Dissolve,  O  Christ,  the  schisms  of  heresy,  which 
seek  to  subvert  the  faith,  which  strive  to  corrupt  the 
truth  ;  that  as  thou  art  acknowledged  in  heaven  and 
in  earth  as  one  and  the  same  Lord,  so  thy  people, 
gathered  from  all  nations,  may  serve  thee  in  the 
unity  of  faith  ;  to  thy  glory  and  honor,  who,  with  the 
Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  art  one  God,  world  with- 
out end.      Amen. 


Against  Coldness  in  Prayer. 

O  God,  pardon,  we  beseech  thee,  the  wanderings 
and  coldness  of  our  prayers,  and  deal  not  with  us 
according  to  our  prayers  or  deserts,  but  according  to 
our  needs  and  thine  own  rich  mercies  in  Christ  Jesus 
our  Lord.     Amen. 


Against  Wajidering  Thoughts. 

Heavenly  Father,  give  us  grace  to  fix  our  minds  on 
thee,  especially  in  times  of  prayer  when  we  talk  with 
thee.  Stop  the  fancies  of  our  wandering  minds  and  the 
desires  of  our  evil  hearts.  Destroy  the  power  of  the 
enemy  of  our  souls,  who  tries  at  such  times  to  draw 
our  minds  from  heavenly  thoughts  So  shall  we, 
with  joy  and  gratitude,  thank  thee  for  all  the  evils 
we  have  escaped,  and  for  all  the  good  we  have 
received:   through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

A  against  Sloth. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  hast  said.  My  Father 
worketh  hitherto,  and  I  work  ;  Grant  us,  we  beseech 
thee,  such  zeal  in  thy  service,  that  we  may  never  be 
weary  in  well  doing,  but  may  labor  stedfastly  unto 
the  end  ;  through  thy  mercy,  O  our  God,  who  art 
blessed,  and  livest  and  reignest  forever  and  ever. 
Amen. 

Against  Self-deception . 

O  God,  who  hast  warned  us  that  the  heart  is 
deceitful  above  all  things  ;  Give  us  wisdom  to  know 
our  shortcomings,  errors  and  secret  faults,  and 
mercifully  cleansing  us  therefrom,  keep  us  from  the 
temptations  of  spiritual  pride  ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.      Amen. 

Against  Sins  of  the  Tongne. 

We  beseech  thee,  O  Saviour,  by  those  sacred 
words  which  in  thy  last  agony  thou  didst  utter  upon 
the  cross,  that  thou  wouldest  keep  our  tongues  from 
evil,  and  our  lips  that  they  speak  no  guile,  that 
as  thy  holy  Angels  ever  sing  thy  praises  in  heaven, 
so  with  our  tongues  may  we  at  all  times  glorify  thee 
on  earth  ;  who  livest  and  reignest  with  the  Father 
and  the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 


VARIOUS    PRAYERS.  213 

Against  Formalism . 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  whose  ways  are  right,  keep 
us  in  thy  mercy  from  lip-service  and  empty  forms, 
from  having  a  name  that  we  live,  but  being  dead. 
Help  us  to  worship  thee  by  righteous  deeds  and  lives 
of  holiness  ;  that  our  prayer  also  may  be  set  forth  in 
thy  sight  as  the  incense,  and  the  lifting  up  of  our 
hands  be  as  an  evening  sacrifice ;  through  thy 
mercy,  O  our  God,  who  art  blessed,  and  livest  and 
reignest  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

Against  hisiiiccrity . 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  didst  rebuke  the  barren 
fig-tree,  bearing  leaves  but  not  fruit  ;  Vouchsafe 
unto  us  perfect  sincerity  in  thought  and  deed,  and 
grant  that  we  may  carry  out  in  our  lives  what  we 
have  learned  in  thy  holy  Word  ;  through  thy  mercy, 
O  our  God,  who  art  blessed,  and  livest  and  reignest 
forever  and  ever.     Amen. 

Against  Presumption . 

Almighty  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  who  didst 
suffer  thine  Apostle  Saint  Peter,  presuming  on  his 
own  power,  miserably  to  fall,  even  so  as  to  deny  his 
Master  ;  Grant  to  us,  we  beseech  thee,  that  we  may 
never  presume  on  our  own  might  and  power,  but 
being  in  our  hearts  humble  and  lowly,  acknowledg- 
ing our  own  infirmity,  frailty  and  weakness,  may 
ever,  in  all  our  doings,  receive  at  thy  mighty  hand 
the  strength  and  comfort  which  we  need,  to  the  due 
performance  of  thy  holy  will ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

Against  Uncharitable  Judgments . 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  to  whom  all  things  are  possi- 
ble ;  Inspire  us,  we  entreat  thee,  with  ardent  faith  in 
thy  love  and  power  when  we  supplicate  thee  for  our- 
selves or  for  others.  Keep  us  from  judging  un- 
charitably those  for  whom  we  pray,  or  from  pre- 
sumptuously estimating  them  as  less  acceptable  than 
ourselves  to  thee;  keep  us  from  giving  thanks  with 
the  Pharisee,  but  rend  our  hearts  with  the  humble 
cry  of  the  Publican.  Hear  us,  O  Lord,  when  we 
pray  for  all  who  need  our  prayers;  and  thy  Name, 
with  that  of  the  Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  shall 
have  all  the  praise,  world  without  end.     Amen. 

For  Veneration  of  tJie  Name  of  Jesus 

Christ. 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  made  the  glorious  Name 
of  Jesus  Christ  thy  Son  our  Lord  most  dear  to  thy 
faithful  people,  and  most  terrible  to  evil  spirits; 
Grant  that  all  who  devoutly  venerate  this  Name  on 
earth  may  in  this  life  receive  holy  consolation  and 
comfort,  and  in  the  world  to  come,  the  joy  of  ex- 
altation, and  of  eternal  blessedness  in  heaven ; 
through  the  same  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


214  VARIOUS    PRAYERS. 

Fo  r  Trii  tJifii  In  ess . 

O  God,  the  God  of  Truth,  mercifully  grant  that  the 
Holy  Spirit  of  truth  may  rule  our  hearts,  grafting 
therein  the  love  of  truth,  and  making  us  in  all  our 
thoughts,  words  and  works  to  study,  speak  and  fol- 
low truth,  that  we  may  be  sincere  before  men  and 
blameless  before  thee ;  for  his  sake  who  is  the 
Truth,  and  in  whose  most  blessed  mouth  was  no  de- 
ceit, Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 


For  Ejiliglitenmcnt. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  art  the  light  of  the 
blind,  the  way  of  the  erring,  and  the  resurrection  of 
the  dead  ;  Enlighten  the  darkness  of  our  hearts  and 
minds,  bring  sinners  to  repentance,  and  make  us  to 
live  in  thee  and  for  thee,  whom,  with  the  Father  and 
the  Holy  Ghost,  we  worship  and  glorif)'  ever,  one 
God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


For  Cleansing. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  to  whom  glory  in  the  highest 
is  ever  sung  in  heaven  and  on  earth  ;  Grant  unto  us 
and  to  all  thy  people  thy  good  will,  cleanse  us  from 
all  our  sins,  and  give  us  thy  peace  forever ;  through 
thy  mercy,  O  our  God,  who  art  blessed,  and  dost 
live,  and  govern  all  things,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 


For  Comfort. 

O  Almighty  God,  who  art  the  author  of  everlasting 
felicity  ;  Sustain  and  comfort  us,  we  pray  thee,  in  all 
the  trials  of  this  present  life,  and  grant  unto  us  at 
last,  in  thy  presence,  fulness  of  joy,  and  pleasures  for 
evermore  ;    through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


For  a  Sense  of  Si'/i . 

O  God,  who  art  of  purer  eyes  than  to  behold 
iniquity;  Mercifully  grant  unto  us  such  a  sense 
of  sin,  that  we  may  receive  cleansing,  and  such 
cleansing,  that  we  may  be  made  pure  in  heart,  and 
may  see  thee  for  evermore ;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 


For  the  Spirit  of  Prayer. 

O  God  of  hope,  the  true  Light  of  faithful  souls, 
and  perfect  brightness  of  the  blessed,  who  art  verily 
the  Light  of  the  Church  ;  Grant  that  our  hearts  may 
both  render  thee  a  worthy  prayer,  and  always 
glorify  thee  with  the  offering  of  praises;  through 
Jesus  I'hrist  our  Lord.      Amen. 


VARIOUS   PRAYERS.  215 


For  Rest. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  rest  of  the  Angels  and  of 
all  the  Saints  ;  Grant  unto  thy  people  to  find  in  thee 
deliverance  from  all  sin,  and  rest  from  every  burden, 
so  that,  joining  with  Angels  and  Archangels  in  bless- 
ing thee,  they  may  in  all  and  through  all  things 
be  blessed  by  thee;  through  thy  mercy,  O  our  God, 
who  art  blessed,  and  dost  live,  and  govern  all  things, 
world  without  end.      Amen. 


For  Peace. 

O  Christ  our  Lord,  at  whose  coming  peace  re- 
turned to  earth  ;  Vouchsafe,  we  beseech  thee,  to 
keep  ever  in  thy  peace  those  whom  thou  didst 
reconcile  unto  thee  by  thy  first  coming,  until,  at  thy 
coming  again  in  glorious  majest}  ,  thou  makest  them 
to  inherit  eternal  peace;  through  thy  mercy.  O  our 
God,  who  art  blessed,  and  dost  live,  and  govern 
all  things,  world  without  end.      Amen. 

For  Sanctified  Learnitig. 

O  God,  the  Father  Almighty  ;  Grant  us  to  have  in 
thee  the.  light  of  knowledge,  and  the  fulness  of  all 
virtue,  that,  while  we  seek  for  the  gifts  of  learning, 
we  may  never  depart  from  thee,  who  art  the 
Fountain  of  all  wisdom  ;  through  Jesus  Christ,  thy 
Son,  our  Lord.      Amea. 


For  Eternal  Felicity. 

O  Lord,  save  us,  we  pray  thee,  who  hope  in  thee, 
comfort  us,  according  to  thy  Word,  whom  thou  hast 
redeemed  with  thy  most  precious  Blood,  and  grant 
us,  with  thee,  perpetual  joy  and  felicity,  where 
sighing  is  at  an  end,  and  sorrow  cannot  come ; 
through  thy  mercy,  O  our  God,  who  art  blessed,  and 
dost  live,  and  govern  all  things,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

For  Love  of  Friends  and  Enemies. 

O  God,  who  so  lovedst  the  world  that  thou  didst 
give  thine  only-begotten  Son  to  reconcile  the  earthly 
with  the  heavenly  ;  Grant  that,  loving  thee  above 
all  things,  we  may  love  in  thee  our  friends  and  our 
enemies ;  through  the  same  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 

For  a  Child-like  Spirit. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who,  very  God  of  very  God, 
didst  deign  for  us  to  become  a  little  child,  that  the 
world  which  thou  didst  make  might  through  thee  be 
saved  ;  Grant  that,  as  unto  us  a  Child  is  born,  unto 
us  a  Son  is  given,  we,  born  again  through  thee,  may 
ever  remain  in  the  number  of  God's  faithful  children  ; 
through  thy  merits,  O  blessed  Saviour,  who,  with 
the  Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  livest  and  reignest 
ever,  one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


216  VARIOUS    PRAYERS. 

For  Confidence  in  the  Judgment  Day. 

O  God,  who,  by  the  mouth  of  thy  holy  prophets, 
didst  promise  that  thine  only-begotten  Son  should 
come  in  the  flesh  for  us,  and  be  born  of  a  pure 
virgin,  and  hast  in  these  last  days  fulfilled  thy 
Word  ;  Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  that  when  he  who 
came  once  to  redeem  the  world  cometh  to  be  our 
Judge,  we  may  not  be  ashamed  before  him  at  his 
coming ;  through  the  merits  of  the  same  thy  Son 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

For  Hum  Hit)'. 

O  merciful  God,  who  didst  justify  the  publican, 
who,  standing  afar  off,  and  beating  his  breast,  con- 
fessed his  sin  unto  thee  ;  Grant  unto  us  thy  servants, 
meekly  acknowledging  our  unworthiness,  and  sup- 
plicating thy  favor,  the  forgiveness  of  all  our  sins; 
through  thy  mercy,  and  for  the  love  of  Jesus  Christ, 
thy  Son,  our  Saviour.      Amen. 


For  Wisdom. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  art  the  Redeemer  of  all 
those  who  put  their  trust  in  thee  ;  Loose  thy  people, 
we  pray  thee,  from  the  bonds  of  their  sins,  fill  their 
hearts  and  minds  with  true  wisdom,  and  let  thy 
peace  and  heavenly  benediction,  ever  be  with  them  ; 
through  thy  mercy,  O  our  God,  who  art  blessed,  and 
dost  live  and  govern  all  things,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 

For  Obedience. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  make  us  to  live  soberly, 
righteously  and  godly,  in  this  present  world,  looking 
for  the  blessed  hope  and  thy  glorious  appearing,  so 
that,  running  in  the  way  of  thy  commandments,  we 
may  attain  thy  heavenly  promises ;  through  thy 
mercy,  O  our  God,  who  art  blessed,  and  dost  live, 
and  govern  all  things,  world  without  end.      Amen. 


For  Faithfulness. 

O  Christ,  the  Alpha  and  the  Omega,  the  Beginning 
and  the  Ending,  the  Root  and  the  Offspring  of 
David;  Mercifully  grant  unto  us,  our  King  and  our 
Saviour,  that  we  may  serve  thee  faithfully  here,  and 
continue  thine  forever  ;  through  thy  merits,  O  our 
God,  who  art  blessed,  and  dost  live,  and  govern  all 
things,  world  without  end.      Amen. 

For  a  Tender  Cotiscience. 

O  God,  save  us  from  a  blinded  conscience,  still 
more,  from  a  hardened  one.  Make  us  to  bring  all 
our  guilt  at  once  to  the  fountain  opened  for  unclean- 
ness,  the  Blood  of  Christ.  Endue  our  conscience 
with  such  holv  tenderness,  that  the  faintest  approach 


VARIOUS   PRAYERS.  217 

of  evil  may  awaken  its  testimony,  and  give  us  grace 
to  obey  its  faintest  remonstrance  ;  for  Christ  our 
Saviour's  sake.      Amen. 


For  Self-exai)ii)iation . 

O  Almighty  God,  who  dost  love  to  dwell  with  the 
pure  in  heart,  and  hatest  the  least  stain  of  sin  ;  Help 
us  to  examine  our  souls.  Give  us  thy  Holy  Spirit. 
Shew  us  our  faults,  O  Lord,  and  help  us  to  feel  our 
sinfulness.  Give  us  true  sorrow  for  sin,  and  grace 
to  overcome  it,  firm  trust  in  thy  mercy,  and  charity 
with  all  men,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

For  Cheerfulness. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  Lord  that  hath  mercy  on 
us  ;  Teach  our  hearts  to  sing  for  joy  when  our  lips 
sing  praises  unto  thee  for  all  thy  mercies.  Banish, 
we  pray  thee,  from  our  souls,  gloom,  discontent  and 
abject  fear  :  and  make  thy  love  of  us  and  our  love  of 
thee  be  in  us  joy,  confidence  and  full  satisfaction  ; 
hear  us,  O  Saviour,  who.  with  the  Father  and  the 
Holy  Ghost,  livest  and  reignest,  one  God,  world  with- 
out end.     Amen. 


For  the  Spirit  of  Praise. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  worthy  to  be  praised  ;  Give 
us  grace,  we  beseech  thee,  to  attribute  no  good  thing 
to  ourselves;  not  desiring  the  praise  of  men,  or 
puffing  up  our  neighbor  with  vain  flatteries,  but 
ascribing  all  praise  unto  thee  on  whom  praise 
waiteth :  for  thou  alone,  O  Lord  Jesus,  with  the 
Father  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  art  worthy  of  the  bless- 
ing and  thanksgiving,  worship  and  magnifying, 
adoration  and  love,  of  Cherubim  and  Seraphim, 
Angels  and  Archangels,  men  and  all  creatures,  world 
without  end.     Amen. 


For  Diligence. 

O  Almighty  God,  whose  will  it  is  that  none  should 
be  idle  ;  Give  us,  we  pray  thee,  a  diligent  spirit,  that 
whatever  we  find  to  do  we  may  do  with  all  our 
might,  to  thy  honor  and  glory  ;  for  the  sake  of  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


For  Gentleness. 

O  Christ,  Son  of  God,  who  didst  patiently  endure 
the  reproaches  of  thine  adversaries  when,  like  roar- 
ing lions,  they  gnashed  upon  'thee  with  their  teeth  ; 
Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  that  we,  following  thine 
example,  and  the  pattern  of  thy  Inngsuffering,  may 
become  gentle  to  all ;  through  thy  mercy,  O  our 
God,  who  art  blessed,  and  livest  and  reignest  for 
ever  and  ever.     Amen. 


218  VARIOUS   PRAYERS. 

For  Patience. 

O  God,  who  by  the  passion  and  death  of  thine 
only-begotten  Son  didst  crush  the  pride  of  our  enemy 
the  devil  ;  Grant  to  thy  faithful  servants,  when  they 
are  in  trouble,  to  bear  in  mind  his  sufferings,  and 
cheerfully  to  endure  all  adversities;  through  the 
same  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.      Amen. 

For  Cofitentment. 

O  God,  who  hast  taught  us  that  our  life  is  more 
than  meat  and  our  body  than  raiment ;  Teach  us 
also  to  be  content  with  such  things  as  thou  hast 
given  us,  and  to  seek  in  thee  that  godliness  which, 
with  contentment,  is  great  gain  ;  for  the  sake  of  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


For  Thank fnbtess. 

O  merciful  God,  who  hast  taught  us  by  thy  holy 
Word  that  it  is  a  joyful  and  pleasant  thing  to  be 
thankful  ;  Give  us  grace,  we  beseech  thee,  to  be 
truly  and  sincereh'  thankful  for  thy  manifold 
mercies  bestowed  upon  us,  and  grant  that  we  may 
employ  all  thy  gifts  and  mercies  to  the  setting  forth 
of  thy  glory,  and  the  furthering  of  our  own  sal- 
vation ;   through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

For  a  good  use  of  Blessings. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  who  healest  us  by 
chastening,  and  preservest  us  by  pardoning  ;  Grant 
unto  thy  suppliants,  that  we  may  both  rejoice  in  the 
comfort  of  the  tranquillity  which  we  desired,  and 
also  use  the  gift  of  thy  peace  for  the  effectual  amend- 
ment of  our  lives;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

For  Love  of  God. 

Most  merciful  God,  we  are  conscious  of  grievous 
shortcoming  in  our  love.  Make  us  sensible  of  thy 
great  love  to  us.  In  the  gift  of  thy  dear  Son.  in  the 
communications  of  thy  free  grace,  help  us  ever  to 
trace  thy  goodness  toward  us.  Enable  us  to  show 
forth  our  love  not  only  with  our  lips  but  in  our  lives  ; 
the  love  of  a  holy  admiration,  the  love  of  a  happy 
allegiance,  the  love  of  a  respectful  homage,  the  love 
of  an  entire  devotion,  the  love  of  an  instinctive 
desire  and  longing  for  thy  presence,  the  love  of  an 
outspoken  testimony  to  thy  praise;  these  things  we 
humbly  ask  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake.     Amen. 


For'  Stahi/ity. 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  our  Rock,  give  us  wisdom, 
we  beseech  thee,  to  build  our  house  upon  the  Kock 
and  not  upon  the  sand  :  that  when  floods  of  temp- 
tation,  rain  of  affliction,  winds  of  persecution,  beat 


VARIOUS   PRAYERS.  219 

upon  that  house  it  may  not  fall,  because  it  is 
founded  upon  a  Rock ;  grant  this  through  thy 
mercy,  O  our  God,  who  art  blessed,  and  livest  and 
reignest  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

For  Holiness. 

O  Father  of  mercies,  who  hast  foreordained  thine 
elect  to  be  conformed  to  the  image  of  thy  Son  ;  So 
conform  us,  we  beseech  thee,  unto  him  in  holiness, 
that  when  he  shall  appear,  we  may  be  made  like 
unto  him  in  glory  ;  through  the  same  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.      Amen. 


For  a  Happy  Death. 

O  Immortal  Jesus,  who  when  thou  wast  pleased  to 
die,  didst  bow  thine  head  and  commend  thy  spirit 
into  the  hands  of  thy  Father ;  Grant  that  when  the 
hour  of  our  departure  shall  come,  we  may  be  willing 
to  leave  this  mortal  life,  and  thou  being  present 
to  our  sight,  and  shining  upon  us  with  the  light 
of  thy  countenance,  we  may  joyfully  commit  our 
souls  to  thee,  who  art  the  Resurrection  and  the 
Life;  who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  the  Father  and 
the  Holy  Ghost,  one  God,  world  without  end. 
Amen. 


INDEX. 


Accused,  For  persons  unjustly,  211. 

Adults,  Funeral  of,  84. 

Afflicted,  For  the,  86. 

Aged,  For  a  Home  for  the,  159. 

Alms  Basin,  Benediction  of  an,  100. 

Altar,  Benediction  of  an,  97. 

Altar  Cloth,  Benediction  of  an,  103. 

Altar  Guild,  For  an,  132. 

Altar  Linen,  Benediction  of,  103. 

Army  and  Navy,  For  the,  155. 

Auxiliary,  For  the  Woman's,  110. 

Banner,  Benediction  of  a,  103. 

Baptism,    Of  Infants  in    Church,   1;    in  private,  8;    of 

Adults,  14;  Infant  and  Adult  combined,  23. 
Bell.  Benedictioti  of  a,  101. 
Blessinjjs,  For  a  good  use  of,  218. 
Bible  Class.  For  a,  130. 
Blind,  For  the,  159. 

Candles,  Benediction  of,  102. 

Catholic  Faith,  For  those  who  have  forsaken  the,  210. 

Censorious,  For  the,  211. 

Cheerfulness,  For,  217. 

Child-birth,  After.  167. 

Child,  At  birth  of,  1+9;  before  baptism  of,  150;  funeral 

of  a,  89. 
Children,  For  Sunday  School,  126;  for  neglected,  127; 

at  School,  150;  of  a  family,  150;  sponsors  for,  151. 
Choir,  With  a,  122. 
Choristers,  Office  with,  94. 
Christians,  For  persecuted.  107. 
Church,  For  restoration  of  a,  119;    for  an    unfinished, 

119;  for  Councils  of  the,  113;  for  unity  of  the,  1 16  ; 

for  the  Syrian,  108  ;  throughout  the  world,  113. 
Christ,  For  fellowship  with,  70. 
Cleansing,  For,  214. 
Collects,  170,  206. 
Colleges  and  Schools,  For,  156. 
Comfort,  For,  214. 
Communicate,  For  one  about  to,  72. 
Confirmation,  Order  of,  30;  class,  130. 
Conscience,  For  a  tender,  216. 
Contentment,  For,  218. 
Corner-stone  Office,  95. 
Cross,  Benediction  of  a,  100. 

Daughters  of  the  King,  For  the,  110. 

Deaconesses,  For,  111. 

Dead,  Burial  of  the,  75. 

Deaf  and   Dumb,  For  the,  159. 

Death,  For  a  happy,  219. 

Despondent,  For  the,  71. 

Departed,  For  the,  91. 

Diligence.  For,  217. 

Diocese,  For  the,  114;  for  the  Bishoi)  of  the,  115. 

Discord.  In  times  of,  1.55. 

Divinity.  For  Students  in,  157. 

Dying,  For  the,  74. 

221 


222 


Employer  and  the  Employed,  For  the,  160. 
Enemies,  For  love  of  friends  and,  215. 
Enlifjhtennient,  For,  214. 
Eucharistic  Prayers,  134. 
Explorations,  For,  161. 

Family,  Marriajje  in  a,  151  ;  at  death  in,  152;  for  ab- 
sent members  of,  151;  prayers  in  the,  135;  prayers 
for  each  dav  in  the  week  in  the,  141  ;  special  prayers 
of  the,  148. 

Faithfulness,  For,  216. 

Felicity,  For  eternal,  215. 

Fellow-countrymen,  For,  107. 

Flag,  At  raising  of  a,  154. 

Font,  Benediction  of  a,  98. 

Formalism,  Against,  213. 

Founders  and  Benefactors,  For,  156. 

Funeral  Pall,  Benediction  of  a,  103. 

Gentleness,  For,  217. 

Gloria  Christi,  73. 

God,  For  love  of,  218. 

Guild  Medals,  Benediction  of,  102. 

Health,  For  recovery  of,  70. 

Heresy,  Against,    212. 

Home,  For  a  new,  149  ;  for  an  Orphan's,  158. 

Holiness,  For,  219. 

Holv  Communion  Vessels,  Benediction  of,  97. 

Holy  Spirit.  For  the,  69. 

Hospital,  For  an,  158. 

Humility,  For,  216. 

Husband  and  Wife,  For  an,  149. 

Illness,  In  a  prolonged,  71. 

Insincerity,  Against,  213. 

Jesus  Christ,  For  Veneration  of  Name  of,  213. 

Judgment  Day.  For  confidence  in  the,  216. 

Judgments,  Against  uncharitable,  213. 

Learning,  For  sanctified,  215. 
Lenten  Prayers,  208. 
Love,  Formiitual,  148. 

Marriage,  Anniversary  of  a,  151. 

Marriage  Ring,  Benediction  of  a,  1()2. 

Matrimony,  Solemnization  of,  33. 

Meeting,  For  a  Vestry,  121. 

Ministrations,  For  angelic,  70. 

Ministry,  For  the  increase  of  the,  109,  127. 

Missions,  Special  prayers  for,   106;    for  the  Jews,  107: 

for  fallen  women,  108;  for  seamen,  108;  for  city,  109; 

for   workers   in    city,    109;  for   colored  peoplei    107; 

parochial,  122;  for  giving  to.  111. 
Missionary,  For  sending  out  a,  108;  service,  104. 
Mortality,  For  deliverance  from  sickness  and,  167. 

New  Year's  Day,  Prayers  for,  168. 

Obedience,  For,  216. 

Organ,  Bene<iiction  of  an,  100. 

Pain,  For  one  in,  71. 
Palms,  Benediction  of,  101. 

Parish,  For   the,    118;    for   endowment  of  a,  119;    in 
debt, 119;  foranniversary  of  a,  120;  for  Guilds  of,  1 31. 
Passions,  Against  angy,  2il. 
Patience,  For,  218. 
Peace,  For,  155.  166,  215. 
Penitents,  For  confession  of,  132. 
Peril,  For  escape  from.  167. 
Persons,  For  neglected,  21(). 
Praise,  For  the  spirit  of,  217. 

Prayer,  .\gainst  cohlness  in,  212  ;  for  the  spirit  of,  214. 
Presumption,  Against,  213. 
Pulpit,  Benediction  of  a,  99. 
Purity,  For,  162. 

Recovery.  When  there  is  no  hope  of,  72. 
Rector,  For  a,  120;    for  a  sick,  120;    for  a  parish  with- 
out a,  121. 


223 


Rectory.  Benediction  of  a,  97. 

Resignation,  For,  152. 

Rest,  For,  215. 

Retreat,  For  a  clerical,  115. 

Reverence  for  God's  Name,   163;     for  the  l^ord's    Day, 

163. 
Rood  Screen,  Benediction  of  a,  99. 
Rulers  and  People,  For,  153. 

Saint  Andrew,  For  Brotherhood  of,  128. 

Sanctuary  Lamp.  Benediction  of  a,  98. 

Self-deception,  Against,  212. 

Self-examination,  For.  217. 

Service  Books,  Benediction  of,  102. 

School,  For  a,    157;    for  ptist  members  of,  157;   for  a 

reformator3',  158. 
Sisterhoods,  For.  111. 
Sick,    Visitation    of  the,    37;    communion    of  the,    47; 

readings  with,  57;  special  prayers  for  the,  69. 
Sickness,  For  a  minister's  recuvery  from,  167. 
Sin,  For  those    we  have  led  into,  210;    for  those  who 

live  in,  210;  for  a  sense  of,  21-t. 
Sloth,  Against,  212. 
Sorrowing,  For  the,  90. 
Spirit,  For  a  child-like,  215.     • 
Stability,  For,  218. 
Slate,    For   the,   153;    for  the   Governor   of,    15a;    for 

legi.slatwre  of  a,  153. 
Students,  For  medical,  157. 
Submission.  For,  69. 
Sunday  School,    For   the,  124;    for  superintendent    of, 

124;  for  teachers  of  the,  125;  for  children  of  the,  126; 

for  work  of  the,  127. 
Surgical  Operation,  Before  a,  71. 

Temperance,  For,  164. 

Thankfulness,  For,  218. 

Thanksgiving,  Harvest,  165;  for  recoverj-  from  sick- 
ness, 165;  for  a  child's  recovery  from  sickness,  166; 
for  a  safe  return  from  Sea.  166  ;   a  general,  168. 

Thoughts,  .\g,iinst  wandering,  212. 

Thoughtless,  For  the.  211. 

Tongue,  Against  sins  of  the,  212. 

Truthfulness,  For,  214. 

Vestments,  Benediction  of,  102. 

Will,  For  one  making  a,  72. 
Wisdom,  For,  216. 
Worldly,  For  the,  211. 

Year,  For  the  last  dav  of  the,  169. 
Young  Men,  For,  128. 


■oloq.Cdl    Scminary-Sp*'. 


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